How do cheetahs run so fast?

There's an interesting article on the BBC news website 'Speedy cheetahs put through their paces' (10 July 2009). Scientists at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) are using a running track, cameras and some chicken on a string to examine cheetahs running and compare the results to other species.

Cheetahs can accelerate to a top speed of over 104 km/h (64 mph) or more within just a few paces. That's over 40 km/h faster than a greyhound. It's difficult to understand how they can accomplish this but research is pointing to a few differences between them and other species such as their asymmetric gait and flexible spines. Research is still in progress. For more click here.

Cheetah on running track (BBC News)