wanted to finally getting around to posting this amazing set of photos. Big thanks to @Silverfyrestudio #cosplaygirl #cosplayer #wings #winter #photoshoot #armor #womeninarmor #ladyknight #knight #fantasy #fantasycore #booktok #medieval #renfaire #rennaissance #sword #angel

The Scaly-foot snail (Chrysomallon squamiferum) is one of the most extraordinary deep-sea creatures known to science.

It lives in extreme environments near hydrothermal vents, specifically in the Indian Ocean, where temperatures can approach 400°C (750°F).

What sets this snail apart is its triple-layered shell, which includes:

1. An outer layer of iron sulfide, making it the only known animal to incorporate iron into its skeleton.

2. A middle layer of organic material, acting as a shock absorber.

3. An inner aragonite layer, a typical component in many mollusk shells.

Its scales (or "sclerites"), which also contain iron sulfide, cover its foot—hence the name "scaly-foot"—and may protect it from predators like venomous snails or extreme heat.

This armor-like adaptation helps the snail survive in an environment with high pressure, toxic chemicals, and temperatures that would kill most life forms.

Scientists believe the snail’s shell design could inspire future materials for defense or engineering, due to its resistance to mechanical and thermal stress.

The Scaly-foot snail has also been recognized as endangered by the IUCN because of the increasing threat of deep-sea mining in its limited habitat.

Engineered from natural timber, this "superwood" isn't just hype—it’s a sustainable breakthrough. Developed by researchers at the University of Maryland and commercialized by InventWood, this material boasts a tensile strength 50 times greater than steel while remaining incredibly lightweight.

What makes it revolutionary? The process strips away lignin (the stiffening compound in wood) and compresses the fibers into a dense structure, enhancing durability while reducing environmental impact. It’s also carbon negative, fire- and rot-resistant, and even stands up to ballistic impact—ideal for everything from construction to armor panels.

Production kicks off this year in Maryland with a capacity of 1 million square feet, expanding to 30 million soon after. As the world shifts toward greener materials, superwood may redefine how we build cities, vehicles, and even consumer products.

#Superwood #GreenTech #SustainableInnovation #MaterialsScience #FutureOfConstruction

A breakthrough material called Superwood, developed by researchers at the University of Maryland, is set to enter commercial production in 2025. This engineered timber is up to 50 times stronger than regular wood and even rivals steel and carbon fiber in strength—yet it's lighter, cheaper, and sustainably sourced.

Superwood is created by removing lignin and hemicellulose from natural wood, then hot-pressing it to align the cellulose nanofibers into a dense, ultra-tough structure. The result? A bio-based material that’s resistant to fire, rot, pests, and harsh weather—ideal for construction, furniture, transportation, and even armor plating. Maryland startup InventWood is now scaling up its production, promising a future where buildings and vehicles may be built with eco-friendly timber tougher than metal.

#Superwood #GreenInnovation #MaterialScience #SustainableTech #WoodVsSteel

Scientists have developed a remarkable new material named Proteus that has the ability to stop bullets while being ultra-thin and lightweight.

This material hardens instantly upon impact, behaving in a way similar to diamond, making it extremely difficult to penetrate.

The innovation draws inspiration from natural structures like grapefruit peels and abalone shells, which are known for their unique ability to absorb and disperse energy effectively.

Proteus is made by embedding hard ceramic spheres within a flexible aluminum structure. When a bullet or drill strikes the material, it reacts dynamically.

The ceramic particles inside begin to vibrate at high frequencies, which blunts the projectile and spreads the force across the structure, making it nearly impenetrable. This combination of flexibility and extreme toughness is unlike anything seen in conventional body armor materials.

Researchers from the University of Surrey and the Leibniz Institute conducted extensive studies on Proteus and confirmed its unique properties.

It falls under a category of materials known as non-Newtonian substances, meaning it behaves differently under varying types of force. Under sudden, high-speed impacts, it transitions from soft and flexible to extremely hard, stopping bullets and tools alike.

This innovation has wide-ranging potential applications. It could revolutionize body armor for military and law enforcement, allowing for lighter gear that still offers full protection.

It could also be used in protective casings for vehicles, secure storage containers, and bullet-resistant building materials. With Proteus, the future of protective technology looks thinner, stronger, and smarter.