MEXICO: A new natural material, stronger than spider silk, has been discovered by a collaboration of scientists from the UK and Italy. The biological compound has been extracted from the teeth of limpets, otherwise known as aquatic snails, which are permanently attached to the face of rocks along many seaside beachfronts.
The teeth are constructed of a composition of protein and iron minerals (goethite) in miniscule proportions, and the organisation of these tiny fibres is the enigma behind the strength of this material. The study also demonstrated that no matter the quantity used, the strength of the compound remains the same.
The discovery was achieved through the knowledge of how limpets feed, using their tongues, also known as radulae. A radula is covered in these miniature super-strong teeth and is the force behind the limpet’s ability to scrape away food from the rock.
These findings could be applied to help improve the development of man-made materials, which could then be used to build hardy equipment such boats, cars, aeroplanes and even protective clothing. Who could have predicted that these little creatures might lead to a better-established environment?
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