Secret Weapons

The world's great fighting forces are equipped with the latest in defense technology, but soon they may get a boost from Mother Nature. The United States military is looking to the natural world for inspiration as it seeks the advantage on the modern battlefront. National Geographic Television & Film brings us an informative and stylish report from the war against terror, and shows how emerging technologies inspired by nature may one day help protect troops and civilians. Nature's Secret Weapons envisions a world where tiny robots that fly and navigate like insects are vital to urban search and rescue. Infrared receptors inspired by a heat-seeking beetle protect every fighter facing an enemy shrouded by the night. Body armor made of spider silk offers lightweight and high-performance protection on the battlefield, and camouflage modeled on a butterfly's wings allows troops and vehicles to blend in with a changing background. Sounds like science fiction? Today, this scenario is moving toward reality as scientists around the globe are discovering -- and harnessing -- the secrets behind some of natures most amazing designs. This cutting-edge documentary uses the latest in special effects, animation, macro photography, recreations and real-life battleground photography to explore the future of Nature's Secret Weapons.