Super Fly

The fruit fly (Drosophila) has a secret that would give Iron Man Tony Stark something to think about – an invisible suit that can be signalled to form a tough outer shell, protecting it from external forces. Pictured on the top row, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows an unfortunate mosquito larva (which lacks such natural protection) being crushed by a sudden drop in pressure. But the larva on the bottom has not only survived the same stress, it’s also moving around as normal. Its secret is an artificial 'nanosuit', 600 times smaller than Robert Downey Jr., which grants the mosquito special powers like the fruit fly. Reproducing the chemical makeup of the fruit fly’s suit may not be destined to make us all superheroes, but perhaps it could be put to good use as a microscopic shield to help wounds heal.

Written by John Ankers

John Ankers

Writer

A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

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• Image by Yasuharu Takaku and colleagues
• Hamamatsu University, Japan
• Copyright Hamamatsu University
• Research published in PNAS, April 2013