Self propulsion (IMAGE) Massachusetts Institute of Technology Caption Researchers have determined why droplets are propelled across a heated oily surface 100 times faster than on bare metal. Pictured are various photographs of the droplets that help reveal the mechanisms that cause the rapid motion. Credit Courtesy of Kripa Varanasi, edited by MIT News Usage Restrictions Researchers have determined why droplets are propelled across a heated oily surface 100 times faster than on bare metal. Pictured are various photographs of the droplets that help reveal the mechanisms that cause the rapid motion. License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.