Microscopy adds to understanding mantis shrimp strength

The mantis shrimp uses its two dactyl clubs to strike prey at over 50 miles per hour without appearing to incur any damage. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered that the clubs have a uniquely designed nanoparticle coating that absorbs and dissipates energy. The researchers determined that the nanoparticles are spheres made of intertwined organic and inorganic nanocrystals.