Inspired by tiny nanostructures on transparent butterfly wings, engineers at Caltech have developed a synthetic analogue for eye implants that makes them more effective and longer-lasting. A paper about the research was published in Nature Nanotechnology on April 30. "The nanostructures unlock the potential of this implant, making it practical for glaucoma patients to test their own eye pressure every day," Choo says. The new surface also lends the implants a long-lasting, nontoxic anti-biofouling property.