Porcupine quills inspire new medical innovations

If you’ve known a dog that’s been quilled by a porcupine, then you’ll know that while those quills go in all-too-easily, it’s very difficult to pull them out. As part of a new research project, however, a team of scientists are looking at replicating those very characteristics in things like hypodermic needles and surgical adhesives. It turns out that what’s a bane to overly-inquisitive dogs may be a boon to medical technology.

Porcupine Quills Could Inspire Better Medical Devices

Porcupine quills inspire new medical innovations

From nature to additive manufacturing: Biomimicry of porcupine quill - ScienceDirect

Porcupine quills inspire new medical innovations

The point is, porcupines inspired improved surgical tape

Dog with face full of needles after porcupine attack needs new home

Medical marvels borrowed from nature itself including porcupine quills for stitches

Brigham doctor turns to animals for ideas - The Boston Globe

Porcupine quills - Native American Arts & Crafts

From nature to additive manufacturing: Biomimicry of porcupine quill - ScienceDirect