In 2019, KAUST researcher modeled 1 insect cuticle to create gas-entrapping pores. 7 years later, clean water facilities deploy 2 distinct hydrophobic membranes to desalinate seawater cheaply without chemical waste

KAUST researchers found an unexpected answer in nature. They studied springtails and seaskaters that trap air around their bodies underwater. Their team copied that trick into tiny pores inside new membranes. The design can separate hot, salty water from cooler fresh water. It could eventually make membrane distillation cheaper, greener and less dependent on fluorinated materials.