Why shark scales are so cool

A shark's skin is made up of thousands of armor-like scales, known as denticles. Their shape and alignment reduce drag, stop algal attachment and can even seriously harm prey by contact alone. But now humans are using that same design to save lives. Based off the shark scale pattern, Sharklet Technologies has created a material that is able to inhibit bacteria growth and even limit touch transfer of viruses, reducing the transmission of harmful microorganisms.