The structural miracle known as the honeycomb!

The hexagonal comb of the honey bee has been admired and wondered about from ancient times. Its strength to weight ratio is unmatched. It is a mathematical truth that there are only three geometrical figures with equal sides that can fit together on a flat surface without leaving gaps: equilateral triangles, squares and hexagons. But it is the hexagon that is not only most compact but when weight is distributed evenly over six sides, it is the most structurally sound. Bees get the most strength and storage space and maximize the use of wax by making comb into perfect hexagons. These storage capsules are constructed at a slight upward tilt as to keep honey and larva from falling out. Charles Darwin himself once wrote, the honeycomb is a masterpiece of engineering. It is "absolutely perfect in economizing labor and wax." This design has been implemented into everything from architecture and aerospace to LED lighting and transportation.

Thanks again to the amazing honey bee.