Konrad Rykaczewski has been closely examining the characteristics of various flora and fauna for ideas on how to translate their natural capabilities into models and designs for useful technologies. Most recently the Fulton Schools assistant professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering — working with a team of students and support from an ASU Biomimicry Center grant — discovered how the waxy, water-repellent surfaces of Sonoran cactus skins might be imitated to develop smart material for the protective suits worn by hazardous materials handlers.

See Also: Prickly pear cactus “smart” skin can improve hazmat suits, Earth.com News, November 19

Future hazmat suits could be inspired by cactus skin, Engineering.com/Designer Edge, November 19