Maybe next we will hear that Hammers are not viable screwdrivers any more because, you know, that is also probably something everybody already knows.
Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we characterized the microstructure of hamster claws, revealing a keratinous composition with intricate surface patterns. Nano-indentation techniques were employed to determine the hardness and resilience of the claws. Their sharpness was quantitatively assessed using a sharpness index, which considered both geometric and material properties.
To test the potential application as micro-screwdrivers, we designed a set of experiments where hamster claws were used to engage with micro-screws commonly found in electronics and precision instruments. The results indicated that while hamster claws can fit into the grooves of certain micro-screws, the torque they can generate is limited due to their flexibility and the lack of a proper grip mechanism.