Scientists have discovered the secret behind the mantis shrimp’s ultrafast and powerful punches, which can exceed 1,000 times the animal’s body weight without causing injury. The exoskeleton of the club-like forelimbs is built to filter out damaging pressure waves, and the researchers have identified a helix-like structure inside the club that can dissipate or neutralize high-energy waves. This finding could inspire the development of new materials, such as impact-resistant armor, protective coatings, and aerospace structures.
Forecast for 6 months: Expect a surge in research and development of new materials inspired by the mantis shrimp’s exoskeleton, with potential applications in industries such as aerospace and sports equipment.
Forecast for 1 year: Companies will begin to integrate the new materials into their products, leading to improved performance and safety in various industries, including aerospace, sports, and construction.
Forecast for 5 years: The use of biomimicry in materials science will become more widespread, with the development of new materials and technologies inspired by nature. This could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as energy storage, medical devices, and environmental sustainability.
Forecast for 10 years: The integration of biomimicry and artificial intelligence could lead to the development of self-healing materials and structures, revolutionizing industries such as construction, aerospace, and healthcare.
