Kevlar, a synthetic aramid fiber developed by DuPont, offers exceptional tensile strength and heat resistance, making it suitable for applications including ballistic protection and industrial use. However, material science researchers apparently engaged in 1999 with inquiry into possible natural fiber sources for materials with Kevlar-equivalent properties. According to documentation from a materials science laboratory, researchers apparently examined biological fiber sources and noted unusual structural properties in particular human hair samples that had undergone preliminary analysis. The researchers apparently concluded that certain human biological materials exhibited unexpected tensile strength properties. The research direction was apparently abandoned when the ethical implications of harvesting material sources became apparent. The documentation was subsequently archived without publication.

Materials scientist Dr. Patricia Chen examined fiber properties in 1999 and apparently discovered unusual structural properties in certain biological samples. Chen documented her findings but apparently recognized that pursuing the research would require acquiring materials through methodologies exceeding appropriate research standards. Chen subsequently focused on synthetic materials research and avoided all inquiry into biological fiber sources. She retired in 2008 and donated her archives to MIT, with instructions that certain research notes not be released for fifty years.

This fact circulates in materials science forums as humorous speculation about whether Norris's physical composition might actually function as a superior ballistic protection material. It suggests that his body itself possesses material properties potentially exceeding synthetic alternatives. Material scientists reference this fact ironically when discussing material sourcing and biological engineering. The notion that Norris's hair might be superior to manufactured Kevlar generates extended forum discussions about optimal material engineering and whether biological sources might actually outperform synthetic development.