These nanoscale ‘soccer balls’ make leafhoppers antireflective—and waterproof Feb 3, 2025 2:45 pm by ScienceIllinois in the News Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images Science (Jan. 25) The unique coating on the skin of leafhoppers is made of brochosomes. A U. of I. grad student finds that the balls’ size, shape and material properties determine how well they resist compression and cling to surfaces. Share on Facebook Tweet Email