Self-defense

From a snake's venomous fangs to the sharp spines that cover a cactus, puncture tools can be found right across the animal kingdom. While they come in all shapes and sizes, there's a fascinating force driving their diverse designs.

A study has demonstrated that a bacterial defense mechanism against invading viruses can be used to combat bacterial infection, opening the door to new anti-bacterial therapeutics, particularly important in the setting of rising antibiotic resistance.

The Avurt IM-5 launcher is a flashlight-sized, non-lethal self-defense device that fires pellets filled with PAVA powder at distances of up to 40 feet, burning the eyes, nose and throat of the target.