Biomimicry Is Everywhere
Nature has been our source of ideas from ancient times. In fact, nature is rich in wisdom if we just have the wisdom to recognize it.
Science CROWN Technology Space Mind Health Life Sustainability We can learn a lesson from geckos. One of their amazing abilities is to climb smooth walls and run upside down across ceilings. Do you know how they do that? The secret lies in the fact that they have millions of little hairs on their toes that hold on to the wall. Each hair is not very strong, but millions of them working together can hold up the gecko. Using this “gecko effect,” researchers have developed an adhesive so strong that a postcard-size piece can hold up to 320 kilograms. Hospitals are now using a form of “gecko tape” as a surgical bandage. In the future, we might be able to climb walls like Spider-Man with gecko-tape gloves.
We can learn another lesson from armadillos. The hide of an armadillo is hard yet flexible. It offers protection but lets the armadillo move easily. Some companies have created backpacks inspired by the armadillo. The backpacks are made of pieces of recycled tires. They have a hard surface for protection but they can be easily rolled up.
We can also learn from whales. Humpback whales are the only whales that have bumps on their flippers, which help them move with great agility through water. Engineers have copied the shape of the bumps and applied it to wind turbines. The shaped bumps help the turbine blades move more efficiently, capturing more energy from the wind and generating more electricity. Companies are also applying the idea to cooling fans and airplane wings.
Nature is rich in wisdom. There is much more we can and should learn from it. Wherever you look in nature, you can find inspiration, if you have a sharp eye and an open mind.
Nature has been our source of ideas from ancient times. In fact, nature is rich in wisdom if we just have the wisdom to recognize it.
Science CROWN Technology Space Mind Health Life Sustainability We can learn a lesson from geckos. One of their amazing abilities is to climb smooth walls and run upside down across ceilings. Do you know how they do that? The secret lies in the fact that they have millions of little hairs on their toes that hold on to the wall. Each hair is not very strong, but millions of them working together can hold up the gecko. Using this “gecko effect,” researchers have developed an adhesive so strong that a postcard-size piece can hold up to 320 kilograms. Hospitals are now using a form of “gecko tape” as a surgical bandage. In the future, we might be able to climb walls like Spider-Man with gecko-tape gloves.
We can learn another lesson from armadillos. The hide of an armadillo is hard yet flexible. It offers protection but lets the armadillo move easily. Some companies have created backpacks inspired by the armadillo. The backpacks are made of pieces of recycled tires. They have a hard surface for protection but they can be easily rolled up.
We can also learn from whales. Humpback whales are the only whales that have bumps on their flippers, which help them move with great agility through water. Engineers have copied the shape of the bumps and applied it to wind turbines. The shaped bumps help the turbine blades move more efficiently, capturing more energy from the wind and generating more electricity. Companies are also applying the idea to cooling fans and airplane wings.
Nature is rich in wisdom. There is much more we can and should learn from it. Wherever you look in nature, you can find inspiration, if you have a sharp eye and an open mind.