Kicker - A bug that can’t be squashed

MARY REICHARD, HOST: Modern cars boast some impressive safety features, thanks to creative engineers who put their minds to these things.

But what if I told you there’s a beetle that can withstand being run over by a truck and take on almost zero damage?! 

Well, the world’s most renowned engineer has designed a protective shell that can withstand compression up to 39,000 times its own weight!

Now, take note: His creation is not a Volkswagen Beetle. It’s an actual beetle. 

Scientists are studying our Creator’s remarkably intelligent design of the Nosoderma diabolicum beetle or the “diabolical ironclad beetle.” 

Researchers put the insect’s armor to the test, even running over it with a car. 

Then, using electron microscopes, they discovered the ironclad beetle’s secret. It has jigsaw-like bindings and a layered architecture that make it nearly uncrushable. 

Scientists hope that decoding the beetle’s design may lead to safer and more durable cars and planes.

It’s The World and Everything in It.

(Photo/Elliotte Rusty Harold)

WORLD Radio transcripts are created on a rush deadline. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of WORLD Radio programming is the audio record.