By Mark Prigg For Dailymail.com
Published: 22:36 GMT, 16 January 2019 | Updated: 22:44 GMT, 16 January 2019
1
View
comments
Researchers studying the structure of bird feathers have revealed some of the secret of of flight - and say it could lead to a new generation of materials for humans.
They say the unique arrangement of barbs on the feather could lead to a new 'supervelcro' material far stronger than current designs.
It could also revolutionize aircraft wing design, improving airflow and lift.
Scroll down for video
The unique arrangement of barbs on bird feathers cold lead to a new 'supervelcro' material far stronger than current designs. Researchers at UC San Diego 3D-printed structures that mimic the feathers' vanes, barbs and barbules to better understand their properties
Researchers at UC San Diego 3D-printed structures that mimic the feathers' vanes, barbs and barbules to better understand their properties- for example, how the underside of a feather can capture air for lift, while the top of the feather can block air out when gravity needs to take over.
'The first time I saw feather barbules under the microscope I was in awe of their design: intricate,
