South Korean scientists have developed a highly sensitive, spider-inspired mechanical sensor that can detect extremely fine vibrations.
  
Led by Seoul National University Professor Choi Man-soo and Sungkyunkwan University Professor Kim Tae-il, the research team published in the online version of the journal 'Nature' on Thursday that it built a highly sensitive sensor capable of recognizing vibrations, pressures and sounds.
 
The researchers were inspired by a crack-shaped slit organ found on spiders’ legs which allows the creatures to sense strain and vibration.  
  
The new sensors are up to one-thousand times as sensitive as existing alternatives.
   
The research team explained that cracked thin film had been considered useless in the past but its technology is able to make use of the cracks and develop more sensitive sensors at lower costs.
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The team expects the sensors to be applied to wearable computers.