Pterosaur Bone Microstructures Could Revolutionize Aircraft Materials

Researchers uncover how ancient flying reptiles' bone architecture may inspire lighter, stronger, and self-healing aerospace designs.

Scientists from the University of Manchester used advanced X-ray imaging to study the microstructures of pterosaur wing bones at sub-micrometer resolution.
The bones feature a network of microscopic canals that provided strength, prevented crack propagation, and facilitated nutrient transfer in the living animal.
These natural designs could inform the development of lightweight, high-strength, and potentially self-healing materials for modern aircraft components.
The findings suggest a potential 'palaeo-biomimetics' revolution, applying ancient biological solutions to contemporary engineering challenges.
Researchers are exploring higher-resolution scans of other extinct species to uncover more hidden engineering innovations from nature's evolutionary history.