Nature frequently inspires product ideas and improvements. Recently, a team from McGill University recognized the genius of the inner layers of mollusk shells. This iridescent layer is called nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl. Nacre is both durable and rigid, an unusual combination.
The team replicated the architecture of the nacre using glass components. The result is a glass that is three times stronger and five times more fracture-resistant than normal glass.
Think of what that would do for your mobile phone!
Read more about the nacre-based research here: https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/unbreakable-glass-inspired-seashells-333730
And you can learn more about nacre here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/nacre
