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Scientists Turn T-Shirts Into Body Armor

Posted by timothy on from the will-stick-with-the-regular-kind-for-now dept.

separsons writes "Scientists at the University of South Carolina recently transformed ordinary T-shirts into bulletproof armor. By splicing cotton with boron, the third hardest material on the planet, scientists created a shirt that was super elastic but also strong enough to deflect bullets. Xiaodong Li, lead researcher on the project, says the same tech may eventually be used to create lightweight, fuel-efficient cars and aircrafts."

8 of 213 comments (clear)

  1. Unforeseen consequences by treeves · · Score: 4, Funny

    What happens if I'm wearing one of these tee-shirts when my nipples explode with delight?

    --
    ...the future crusty old bastards are already drinking the Kool-Aid.
  2. +5 T-Shirt of Nerding by masmullin · · Score: 5, Funny

    Brings my AC to 15!

    1. Re:+5 T-Shirt of Nerding by bacon+volcano · · Score: 4, Funny

      And it's super-elastic, so no Dex penalty!

  3. My parents visited University of South Carolina by PatPending · · Score: 5, Funny

    My parents visited the University of South Carolina and all I got was this stupid t-shirt.

    --
    What one fool can do, another can. (Ancient Simian Proverb)
  4. Re:How elastic? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Two inches of penetration... Sounds like a job for me!

  5. Nobody doesn't like... by glwtta · · Score: 4, Funny

    ... Molten Boron!

    --
    sic transit gloria mundi
  6. Re:How elastic? by kehren77 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Actually the elasticity of these things change with the among of force applied. When you try to punch these things hard (just like a bullet does) they seem to rigid. But when you try to handle them with less force, like try to slowly pull or push them (just like when you try to wear them), they seem to be really elastic.

    So your question should be rephrased as how elastic it is, when a bullet strikes it? Is is strong enough to distribute the force of the bullet through out your torso and not cause a serious dent?

    Good... the slow blade penetrates the shield...

  7. shirt logo by binaryseraph · · Score: 4, Funny

    I REALLY hope the first shirt they make has the Superman logo on it. Not to be cliche or anything.