Butterfly

Butterfly wings boast a superpower known as anisotropy, which increases a structure’s ability to absorb energy and resist impact through controlled deformation. It could massively benefit architectural innovation through light, durable design.

Traditional paint gets it color from synthetic pigments, which fade over time and aren't very eco-friendly. There may soon be a better alternative, though, in the form of a paint which incorporates color-producing nanostructures.

The ChouChou is an electric butterfly that flutters around inside a mason jar when the jar's lid is tapped.

Scientists have discovered a way of mimicking the stunningly bright and beautiful colors found on the wings of tropical butterflies that could help make banknotes and credit cards even harder to forge.

Japanese researchers have successfully built and flown a life-size swallowtail butterfly.