[SolutionsOnly]

I wonder how many taxpayer dollars are involved in this.

[Drango]

Actually the science of swimming and the understanding of drag/lift is of interest to chemical engineers and other scientist. It's a lot like physicist looking at why/how a pitcher can throw a curve ball. Fundamental understanding of the science behind swimming or curve balls helps us all.

[AdmSmith]

I wonder how many taxpayer dollars are involved in this.

Probably very little, if they did not get is for free they had to pay probably in the order of 50 - 100 dollars.