How to swat a fly

Solved: the mystery of why flies are so hard to swat.

Researchers in the united State think it's all due to the fly's fast-acting brain and an ability to plan ahead. They made some high-speed, high-resolution video recordings that showed the insects quickly working out where a threat was coming from and preparing an escape route.

So what's the best way of swatting a fly? According to California Institute of Technology Professor Michael Dickinson, just creep up very slowly behind the critter and aim ahead of its location. "When it comes to striking the blow, it's not a good idea to aim at the fly's starting position. It's best to aim a bit forward of its location and try to anticipate where the fly will jump when it first sees your swatter."