Scientists discover design secrets of nearly indestructible beetle

Scientists have discovered the design secrets of a nearly indestructible beetle (David Kisailus / UCI)

Insights into what makes the diabolical ironclad beetle so strong could lead to the development of new materials with the same toughness, a new study has suggested.

The findings, which help to explain the beetle’s ability to survive huge crushing forces, may have applications in construction and engineering fields such as aeronautics, researchers say.