In a recent article published in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics researchers from MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering revealed the results of their investigation into the special abilities of the whiskers of harbor seals. After 3D printing an enormous whisker, they determined that as a result of its unique morphology, the whiskers are able to be 'quiet' as the seal moves through water and to gather energy from eddies created by other moving objects. The energy in the whiskers paints a picture for the seal of the path, shape, and size of the moving body and is part of what allows seals to be such amazing underwater hunters. Read more at 3DPrint.com: http://3dprint.com/101790/3d-printed-seal-whiskers/