Web.

Spider webs.
There are many different forms and structures. Cobwebs that look like chaos incarnate. The funnel webs, static tornadoes spread out at the top before spiraling down wherever it is. A cozy hideaway for its creator. Some are traps, some are nets, and some are just a home but all have one thing in common. Even the classic orb web is stronger than anything made by man and we want to know why.
We want to be able to make it or its equivalent for our own use.
Unraveling its secrets will give us stronger lighter materials to make things from.
Better armor, tools and weapons that weigh down our soldiers far less.
Well, that is the main reason the research gets funding.
It is not the only use that it can be applied.
Stronger construction materials that can better hold up to the things nature and man can throw out.
Lighter vehicles that are sturdier than the ones we have now and use less energy to go.
Unfortunately we remain hopelessly entangled in the quest to decipher the lowly web