BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Nanobiotechnology Week Super Fly
01 April 2014

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

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.