A team led by University of California, Irvine, materials scientist David Kisailus has analyzed the impact-resistant coating on the shrimp’s dactyl club. Using transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy the researchers made a 3D map of the club’s surface layer. … The researchers say that the particulate layer’s combination of stiffness and shock-absorbing properties outperform many artificial materials and could provide inspiration for new lightweight protective coatings with potential uses in construction, vehicles and body armor. Read More