Science
UCI materials scientists study a sea creature that packs a powerful punch – EurekAlert
University of California, Irvine materials science researchers discovered that the dactyl clubs of mantis shrimp have a uniquely designed nanoparticle coating that absorbs and dissipates energy. The findings, published Aug. 17, 2020 in Nature Materials, have …

Irvine, Calif. – University of California, Irvine materials science researchers are learning about resilience from the mantis shrimp. The ancient crustaceans are armed with two hammerlike raptorial appendages called dactyl clubs that they use to bludgeon and smash their prey. These fists, able to accelerate from the body at over 50 mph, deliver powerful blows yet appear undamaged afterward.
The UCI researchers discovered that the clubs have a uniquely designed nanoparticle coating that absorbs …