A new fabric inspired by the feathers of the magnificent riflebird — a bird of paradise from New Guinea and the northern tip of Australia — is the darkest ever created, according to its inventors.

A new ultra-black wool could make it desirable to be a black sheep. The specially dyed wool could be a low-cost, biodegradable material for producing potable water from saltwater using only sunlight.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tim Newcomb covers tennis gear/business, stadiums and shoe tech. The natural performance attributes of wool—warm when wet, ...