In a new study from Princeton University, scientists turned toward the humble oyster and its iridescent composite material nacre for design inspiration. Matching the characteristics of nacre at the microscopic level, the researchers were able to increase the toughness of cement some 17 times, as compared to a cement block on its own. Scientists are always looking for ways to make inherently brittle materials, such as concrete or ceramic, tougher, safer, and more durable. Although this material has long been featured in jewelry shops around the world, nacre is also an architectural wonder. However, according to the researchers, it was the multi-layered beam featuring those nacre-like hexagonal plates that was the most remarkable.