BEAVERTECH

MIT scientists are creating a lighter, warmer wetsuit inspired by beavers

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Wetsuits are typically bulky and heavy, but scientists at MIT studied beavers to create a new rubbery material that could be used to make lighter and warmer wetsuits.

Beavers stay warm and dry underwater because their dense layers of fur trap pockets of warm air. Inspired by these creatures, the scientists experimented with different hair densities until they figured out the optimal space between hairs to create rubbery, fur-like pelts.

Watch the video above to see how they made this new material.