From the shiny, strong nacre that gives abalone shells an unbreakable, opaline sheen, to the goopy mix of proteins fired by a velvet worm that solidify and trap prey upon impact, nature is packed with inspiration for scientists designing new materials.
Waterproof adhesives and self-cleaning surfaces, mineralized teeth and hairy insect feet, the seemingly impossible-to-replicate awesomeness of spider silk: Here are a few of our favorite bio-inspired materials, and their natural sources.
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