Nature provides another model for technological advancement.

Ohio State University researchers have discovered that a weed, Salvinia molesta, that clogs up the waterways of many parts of the Americas and Australia actually holds the clues to creating a new type of waterproof coating for materials — all thanks to a very unusual characteristic.

This weed has eggbeater-shaped hairs that trap air and keep the plant floating on the surface of the water — and these odd hairs have inspired a brand new type of coating for things like boats or submarines…

Continue reading… “Plant with eggbeater-shaped hairs inspires new waterproof coating”