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Researchers create super-strong metallic velcro

Alright, so it's not technically Velcro (that's a brand name), but a team of researchers from Germany's Institute of Metal Forming and Casting have created what might be the biggest advance in hook and loop fasteners in some time. As you can see, they've turned to metal, and say their new fasteners are both resistant to extreme heat and able to support loads of up to 35 tonnes per square meter. Like regular Velcro, however, you'd still be able to easily peel the tape apart and reuse it again and again. Of course, it is still just in the prototype stage -- and actually consists of a number of different variations on the idea, including a hybrid version with a synthetic strap -- but the researchers say it could eventually be used in everything from ventilation systems to automotive construction.