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)

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