Smooth-flowing airplane wings based on the shapes of raptor feathers and the fins of humpback whales… energy-efficient buildings modeled after termite mounds… less-painful hypodermic needles adapted from a mosquito’s stinger. These are just a few products now being developed with biomimetics.
In this rapidly growing scientific discipline, researchers are drawing inspiration from nature to design breakthrough products, usually in the fields of engineering, materials science, and medicine. Other objects of their interest include toucan bills, which are lightweight yet very strong, and spider silk, which is five times stronger by weight than steel.
(Source: National Geographic)
Similar Articles:
- Scientific Terms That Came From Science Fiction – Scientists have drawn inspiration from science fiction when naming theories, phenomena, branches of …
- One Easy Way to Grow Your Social Network – With the economy in a downturn, people are looking to build their businesses more cost-effectively. …
- Polymath – A polymath (POL-ee-math) — from the Greek for “learned” — is someone with broad knowledge in sever…
- It’s Fun to Know: A Nightmare Workplace for Claustrophobics – Scientists probing the secrets of “dark matter” will soon have a new home in South Dakota. Crews are…
- The Cure for “Burn-Your-Feet” Beach Sand – From the land of indoor ski slopes in the middle of the desert and man-made islands in the shape of …
- It’s Fun to Know: About Gold – Decorative gold objects dating from 4,000 B.C. have been found in Bulgaria. This makes it the first …
- Even in a Bear Market, Not All Sectors Are Down – Last year, eight out of 10 major sectors went up. The reverse is happening this year. Eight out of t…