Reindeer Antlers Provide Valuable Insight for Sturdier Biomaterials

In the United Kingdom, researchers from Queen Mary University of London’s School of Engineering and Materials Science have found handy information about reindeer antlers that is beneficial for creating stronger and more resilient biomaterials. Reindeer are known for fighting and protecting themselves with their antlers which have to be extremely tough to handle the impact and not break. Researchers found the staggered nature of the fibrils that make up the antler bone, instead of lined up fibrils, is what helps the antlers be so resistant to breakage when colliding with things. Researchers’ next step is to create 3D printed prototypes of similar staggered fibrils to create sturdy, unbreakable biomaterial that could then be used in many applications industries.