Armor

An ancient mystery may have been solved after researchers, with the help of 13 Hellenic Marines, proved that a unique 3,500-year-old suit of Greek armor wasn't necessarily just for show, but could have been used for combat at the time of the Trojan War.

​Although sea shells of various types have been studied as sources of inspiration for impact-resistant manmade materials, the conch shell is known for being particularly tough. And while the reason was already understood, it hadn't been replicated using engineered materials – until now, that is.

On most fish, their hard, overlapping scales provide protection against pokes and cuts. Because those scales are attached to a flexible skin, however, the fish are still able to easily twist their bodies. Scientists are now attempting to copy that structure, to develop flexible-yet-effective armor.

Developed by SuitArt, the Diamond Armor is a diamond-studded, bullet-proof, air-conditioned, bespoke-tailored suit costing US$3.2 million, making it the most expensive custom-tailored suit in the world.

In a scene only dreamt of by most people, the employees of an upscale Toronto tailor, lined up and waited their turn to stab their boss with a hunting knife. Michael Nguyen emerged from the experience unscathed, thanks to a remarkable bulletproof business suit that has just been made public.

Scientists are looking at using impact-absorbing nanofoams in body armor.

Scientists have replicated the flexible-but-tough internal structure of the sea sponge, to create a material that might find use in body armor.

A bulletproof whiteboard has been designed to protect teachers and students from shooters.

A new stress-test developed at MIT could accelerate the development of protective nanomaterials.

Studying the secrets behind the formidable weapon of the mantis shrimp, a researcher at the University of California, Riverside hopes to develop an innovative, hi-tech material that is one third the weight and thickness of existing body armor.

The piranha-bite-proof scales of the Arapaima fish could serve as the inspiration for body armor that is tough yet flexible.

Using a technique that creates a new nanoscale architecture, researchers have created an aluminum alloy just as strong as steel but with reasonable plasticity to stretch and not break under stress.