Recap

Amazing Inventions

Award-winning filmmaker Peter von Puttkamer spoke about his recent work documenting some of the world's most amazing inventions, inventors, and weird science. He also touched on his research into cryptozoology, sharing accounts of the huge sea serpent known as the Cadborosaurus, which is said to have a horse-like head.

Military science is funding a lot of the most far-out research that is being conducted today, he reported. For instance, a new kind of bullet-proof vest has been developed by inserting the genes of a spider into the cells of a goat. The goat's milk is then processed into a tough web-like material that in addition to being able to stop bullets has medical applications for artificial ligaments. Miniature robotics have become more advanced noted von Puttkamer, who detailed how a "robot grasshopper" can soar up to five stories and was used in military missions flying into Afghanistan caves.

Further, the adhesive qualities of a gecko's feet have been replicated synthetically and used in such vehicles as the Mars Rovers, he shared. He also discussed the progression of flying car technology and the development of a small hovercraft known as the Airboard.

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Peter von Puttkamer's TV series Beyond Invention is running on the Science Channel in June and July. Click here for a schedule. Short clips from the series can also be viewed on YouTube.