Boeing creates metal so light it can balance on a dandelion

Every pound matters when flying. The heavier the load, the more fuel that gets burned, and the more money an airline is forced to spend. And while your overpacked carry-on definitely adds some extra pounds to the plane, it's nothing compared to the weight of the jet itself. That's why aeronautical engineers are constantly working to lighten a plane's load while maintaining its strength and durability. With that said, Boeing Innovations is proud to announce that it has invented the lightest metal ever: microlattice.

How light is it? We're talking light enough to balance on top of a dried, puffed out dandelion perfectly poised for wish-making. Made of 99.9% air, microlattice's structure, not density, is what gives it strength.

The futurists at Boeing are already busy envisioning new uses for their breakthrough material. The overhead bins and even the cylinder of the jet itself are being considered as suitable places to begin incorporating microlattice.

If you have a few minutes to geek out over a bit of engineering magic that may lead to more fuel efficient, cost-saving flights, check out the video below: