[Lee Stewart]

Sharks glide through the ocean thanks to their silky smooth skin, which has influenced the U.S. Navy to look to the skin as a way to prevent microorganisms (like barnacles) from sticking to the surface of their ships. Shark skin is covered with tiny V-shape scales called dermal denticles, which help sharks fend-off micro organisms. The Navy has since developed a material, known as Sharklet, based on this skin pattern to help inhibit marine growth on ships. It optimizes vessel performance and reduces fuel costs. (Biofilm can add up to 20 percent drag and barnacles over 60 percent, according to a press release.)