Shark Navy

This is a strange idea- by mimicing the structure of shark skin, US Navy ships and submarines could be made to run more efficiently, faster and quieter.

The unique structure of the shark's skin- made up of tiny scales like teeth- prevents marine organisms such as barnacles and algae from sticking to the surface. By applying a synthetic shark skin to ships and submarines, the Navy could save $50 million each year in the fuel costs associated with such "bio-fouling".

Studies have found that the scales act as armor for a shark and also create tiny vortices that reduce drag to make them faster. The scales also allow sharks to swim silently compared to other fish that generate considerable noise when they ply the water.