Desert beetle bumps inspire new water-collecting material

A carnivorous plant, desert beetle and cactus are behind a revolutionary new material that can collect water out of thin air.

Michael d’Estries

The unique geometry of the bumps on the back of the Namib desert beetle have provided a groundbreaking new way to harvest water from the air. (Photo: vblinov/Shutterstock)

Scientists looking for new ways to harvest moisture from the atmosphere have once again found inspiration from the lowly Namib desert beetle.

The dime-sized insect is native to Southern Africa, one of the most arid regions in the world, and is remarkable for its ability to collect water from early morning fogs using only the bumps on its back. You can see a brief example of this amazing bit of natural engineering below. Read more.