Science Behind The News: Bio-Inspired Materials

The video explores the search for strong, lightweight materials inspired by nature, focusing on the Peacock mantis shrimp. This crustacean's dactyl club can deliver powerful blows without damage, thanks to its unique composite structure. The club consists of three regions: the impact region, periodic region, and striated region, each contributing to its strength and durability. Researchers study this structure to develop new materials for applications like body armor. The field of biomimetics uses biological structures as models for engineering innovations.

What nickname do fishermen give to the Peacock mantis shrimp due to its powerful appendage?

• Finger Breaker

• Thumb Splitter

• Bone Smasher

• Shell Crusher

What is the primary component of the impact region in the mantis shrimp's dactyl club?

• Calcium Phosphate

• Magnesium Sulfate

• Calcium Carbonate

• Silicon Dioxide

How does the periodic region of the mantis shrimp's club contribute to its strength?

• By having a hollow core

• Through a liquid-filled cavity

• Through a spiral-like fiber arrangement

• By being made of solid metal

What is the purpose of the striated region in the mantis shrimp's club?

• To provide flexibility

• To enhance color

• To keep the club compressed

• To increase weight

What field of study does Casalis's research on the mantis shrimp's club belong to?

• Biochemistry

• Biomimetics

• Astrobiology

• Genetic Engineering