Dolphin-Monofin
September 13, 2015 | speed | Comments (0)
Many sea creatures including dolphins, porpoises, and whales have a tail structure that results in impressive bursts of speed. Their tail fin, called a fluke, is waved back and forth to provide forward motion. Meanwhile, the pectoral and dorsal fins provide directional stability. Dolphins reach spee
[ read more ]
Termite-inspired robots build structures without central command
September 13, 2015 | swarm intelligence | Comments (0)
BUILDER BOT: This building robot uses a forklift-style arm to hoist foam bricks onto its back and three-pronged wheel-legs to trek around a construction site. An onboard computer “brain” helps the bot navigate and make building decisions independently. Technical application: climb steps,
[ read more ]
ultrathin insulation for buildings inspired by the polar bear
September 13, 2015 | temperature | Comments (0)
Mimicking polar bear fur, which is able to insulate the animal's body to temperatures of 98.6° F (37° C) when outside temperatures get as low as -40° F (-40° C) could lead to better building insulation Technical application: ultrathin insulation Bionic application: pol
[ read more ]
Manta Ray goes beyond air
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Air-ray, modelled on the manta ray, is a remote-controlled hybrid construction consisting of a helium-filled ballonet and a beating wing drive. Its lightweight design enables it to “swim” in the sea of air using the lift from the helium in a similar way to the manta ray in water. &n
[ read more ]
Alligator Blood for Antibiotics
September 13, 2015 | self service | Comments (0)
Many American alligators live in stagnant, polluted waters. Their diet includes diseased, infected, and injured animals. In addition, fierce battles with prey often lead to wounds. Nevertheless, the alligators tend to remain healthy. Technical application: Bionic application:
[ read more ]
your phone, inspired by yourself
September 13, 2015 | transmitter | Comments (0)
The eardrum is a marvel of engineering. As thin as tissue paper, it vibrates in response to the slightest changes in air pressure. If the eardrum surface moves inward a distance equal to the diameter of a single atom, one hundred millionth of a centimeter, a distinct sound is perceived. Clearly, a
[ read more ]
Festo´s world of bionic solutions
September 13, 2015 | swarm intelligence | Comments (0)
Festo has been working intensively on the topic of bionics since the early 90s. In 2006, the Bionic Learning Network was launched – an association of renowned universities, institutes and development companies. Since this time, Festo has been developing and supporting projects and test objects who
[ read more ]
convert airpollution to ink for your desktop-printer?
September 13, 2015 | Post Growth Economy | Comments (0)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqOplj2HSdE
[ read more ]
sugar for Vaccines conservation
September 13, 2015 | transmitter | Comments (0)
Nova’s stabilisation platforms are based on a sugar-glass stabilization concept. The inspiration for this technology arose from observations of anhydrobiotic organisms, such as the Resurrection Plant (Selaginella lepidophylla), which can protect themselves from extreme desiccation. Such organisms
[ read more ]
Sand fish might help rescue teams
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
The sandfish is a species of skink that burrows into the sand and swims through it. Technical application: reduce friction, might help rescue teams to "dive" into collapsed buildings Bionic application: Further description: Physical effects applied: Video: Cont
[ read more ]
Bees manage the grid
September 13, 2015 | swarm intelligence | Comments (0)
REGEN Energy is a technology company, founded on the basis of biomimicry, whose founders set out to transform the energy efficiency landscape and develop a sophisticated new energy management technology based on the communication patterns of honeybees. Technical application: organize com
[ read more ]
Dolphin-Monofin
September 13, 2015 | speed | Comments (0)
Many sea creatures including dolphins, porpoises, and whales have a tail structure that results in impressive bursts of speed. Their tail fin, called a fluke, is waved back and forth to provide forward motion. Meanwhile, the pectoral and dorsal fins provide directional stability. Dolphins reach spee
[ read more ]
Nature's Water Filter
September 13, 2015 | separating | Comments (0)
The 2003 Nobel Prize was awarded in part to Peter Agre of Johns Hopkins for his discovery, around 1990, of a membrane protein that allows water to pass through cell walls. The discovery of aquaporin solved a longtime problem in biochemistry. Technical application: water filters Bionic a
[ read more ]
Termite-inspired robots build structures without central command
September 13, 2015 | swarm intelligence | Comments (0)
BUILDER BOT: This building robot uses a forklift-style arm to hoist foam bricks onto its back and three-pronged wheel-legs to trek around a construction site. An onboard computer “brain” helps the bot navigate and make building decisions independently. Technical application: climb steps,
[ read more ]
Festo´s world of bionic solutions
September 13, 2015 | swarm intelligence | Comments (0)
Festo has been working intensively on the topic of bionics since the early 90s. In 2006, the Bionic Learning Network was launched – an association of renowned universities, institutes and development companies. Since this time, Festo has been developing and supporting projects and test objects who
[ read more ]
lizard tail for stabilizers
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Lizards are some of the most versatile animals on the planet. Geckoes for example can climb straight up walls, even across glass ceilings upside down. Their feet have been studied to learn how to make better adhesives. Now, lizards are the subject of a new investigation which includes the dinosaurs.
[ read more ]
Human climbing with efficiently scaled gecko-inspired dry adhesives
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
We present a mechanical concept which improves upon the gecko's non-uniform load-sharing and results in a nearly even load distribution over multiple patches of gecko-inspired adhesive. Since the discovery of the mechanism of adhesion in geckos, many synthetic dry adhesives have been developed wi
[ read more ]
The design of trees helps to reduce plastic waste
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Many trees do not have vertical capillary tubes for transporting water upward. Instead, a spiral network of capillaries and fibers extend the entire length of the tree. This helical geometry strengthens the tree, allowing a greater flexibility or bending motion in high wind or during heavy weight lo
[ read more ]
Squid - Arresting device
September 13, 2015 | self service | Comments (0)
Law enforcement faces the challenge of stopping fleeing vehicles. Non-violent methods include roadblocks and spike strips laid across the pavement. However, neither is entirely successful because drivers sometimes avoid the barriers. The U.S. Department of Home Security is studying new technologi
[ read more ]
Zebrafish - Spine Repair
September 13, 2015 | self service | Comments (0)
Injuries to the spine are some of the most serious challenges in medicine. We are all familiar with the tragedy of paralysis which may result from spinal trauma. In mammals, including people, a protective mechanism results in an unfavorable side effect to spinal trauma. Following an injury, cell
[ read more ]
shoals of fish will offer their secret for windfarms
September 13, 2015 | up/down lift | Comments (0)
Wind turbines are the Colossus of the modern landscape, their blades sweeping circles more than a football field in diameter. Critics call them unsightly and say that the rotating blades clobber unsuspecting birds. John Dabiri of Caltech found a solution underwater. He built an experimental wind
[ read more ]
ultrathin insulation for buildings inspired by the polar bear
September 13, 2015 | temperature | Comments (0)
Mimicking polar bear fur, which is able to insulate the animal's body to temperatures of 98.6° F (37° C) when outside temperatures get as low as -40° F (-40° C) could lead to better building insulation Technical application: ultrathin insulation Bionic application: pol
[ read more ]
Nature's Water Filter
September 13, 2015 | separating | Comments (0)
The 2003 Nobel Prize was awarded in part to Peter Agre of Johns Hopkins for his discovery, around 1990, of a membrane protein that allows water to pass through cell walls. The discovery of aquaporin solved a longtime problem in biochemistry. Technical application: water filters Bionic a
[ read more ]
inspired by a tree: bypassing problems will make complex systems more fail-safe
September 13, 2015 | separating | Comments (0)
Look closely at many tree and plant leaves and you will see an intricate network of veins. Besides the channels branching outward from a central stem, you may also notice many smaller veins in random directions, connecting with each other in closed loops. This complex arrangement is unlike the simpl
[ read more ]
Fluid wood instead of plastic for incredible structures
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Arboform acts a lot like any other petroleum-based plastic to a manufacturer. It can be injection-molded as a heated liquid to form any shape. But Arboform is not made of petroleum. Instead, it is made of “Lignin, combined with resins, flax and other natural fibers” as described in this article:
[ read more ]
Gecko feet for car tires
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
Using design principles inspired by the nanoscopic hairs on the gecko, UC Berkeley researchers and colleagues have created a novel microfiber array which has very high friction but is not ``sticky''. Technical application: car tires, drive on solar panels Bionic
[ read more ]
Festo´s world of bionic solutions
September 13, 2015 | swarm intelligence | Comments (0)
Festo has been working intensively on the topic of bionics since the early 90s. In 2006, the Bionic Learning Network was launched – an association of renowned universities, institutes and development companies. Since this time, Festo has been developing and supporting projects and test objects who
[ read more ]
Intestine - Fuel Tank
September 13, 2015 | shape | Comments (0)
This is an unusual example of practical designs found in nature. Automobiles have several new options for fuel including batteries, hydrogen gas, and natural gas. Natural gas is especially attractive because it is in good supply in the U.S., and emits only half the carbon dioxide of conventional fos
[ read more ]
shoals of fish will offer their secret for windfarms
September 13, 2015 | up/down lift | Comments (0)
Wind turbines are the Colossus of the modern landscape, their blades sweeping circles more than a football field in diameter. Critics call them unsightly and say that the rotating blades clobber unsuspecting birds. John Dabiri of Caltech found a solution underwater. He built an experimental wind
[ read more ]
Mussel-Inspired 'Glue' for Surgical Repair
September 13, 2015 | wet instead of dry | Comments (0)
When it comes to sticking power under wet conditions, marine mussels are hard to beat. They can adhere to virtually all inorganic and organic surfaces, sustaining their tenacious bonds in saltwater, including turbulent tidal environments. Technical application: unexpected high! Bionic appli
[ read more ]
beaver teeths for sharp cutting-tools
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
German engineers have applied the tooth sharpening ability of rodents to cutting tools. Beavers, rats, rabbits and similar rodents depend on their teeth for survival. They are experts at gnawing, and their teeth are designed with a self-sharpening ability. Unlike our own, rodent teeth are covered
[ read more ]
Dromedary inspires for seawater-salt removal
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
The dromedary camel is at home in the hot Sahara Desert where temperatures can exceed 170°F (77°C). Special features of the camel’s nose allow it conserve precious moisture with each breath. Technical application: seawater-salt removal, desert greening
[ read more ]
sea anemone inspires for drug injection and medical needles
September 13, 2015 | material quantity | Comments (0)
A sea anemone looks like an underwater flower with its colorful tentacles. However, this stinging "flower" must be handled with care. The tentacles are armed with tiny harpoon-like structures which can be fired outward. After they strike a passing fish, poison is pumped through an attached hollow th
[ read more ]
Squid - Arresting device
September 13, 2015 | self service | Comments (0)
Law enforcement faces the challenge of stopping fleeing vehicles. Non-violent methods include roadblocks and spike strips laid across the pavement. However, neither is entirely successful because drivers sometimes avoid the barriers. The U.S. Department of Home Security is studying new technologi
[ read more ]
Leave inspire for more flexible robots, grabbers and operation tools
September 13, 2015 | shape | Comments (0)
Many plant blossoms open and close on a daily schedule and slowly follow the sun across the sky. Other plants display more vigorous behavior. The small leaves fold inward in just seconds and then slowly reopen. The active plant grows worldwide and the Latin term pudica means shy, bashful, or shrin
[ read more ]
sea-mouse inspired wire for micro circuits
September 13, 2015 | transmitter | Comments (0)
The sea mouse lives at the bottom of northern seas. Actually a worm, the creature’s name results from its furry appearance. The size of a thumb, the sea mouse is covered with many thousands of crystalline fibers called setae. These strands shimmer with iridescent colors as they reflect sunlight wh
[ read more ]
Salt-Nano wire for high speed data transfer
September 13, 2015 | transmitter | Comments (0)
We are all familiar with table salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl). This essential, common compound is ordinarily crystalline and brittle in nature. However, many materials behave strangely on the scale of minute quantities, and salt is no exception. Researchers at Boston College have explored tiny sal
[ read more ]
ultrathin insulation for buildings inspired by the polar bear
September 13, 2015 | temperature | Comments (0)
Mimicking polar bear fur, which is able to insulate the animal's body to temperatures of 98.6° F (37° C) when outside temperatures get as low as -40° F (-40° C) could lead to better building insulation Technical application: ultrathin insulation Bionic application: pol
[ read more ]
Leaves learn us how to produce electricity and harvest water
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
Transpiration is the evaporation of water from the leaves of plants and trees. The undersides of leaves are dotted with hundreds of tiny openings called stoma. Carbon dioxide enters the leaf through these pores, and water escapes. A mature tree may evaporate hundreds of gallons of water on a warm,
[ read more ]
Dolphines help to indicate tsunami
September 13, 2015 | periodical action | Comments (0)
A tsunami is an ocean disturbance resulting from seismic movement of the sea floor. A wave results and moves across the ocean surface at hundreds of miles per hour. In deep water the passing wave may be only a foot or less in height. Approaching the shallow shoreline, however, the wave becomes larg
[ read more ]
Morpho butterfly; color without pigments
September 13, 2015 | use colors | Comments (0)
Many morpho butterflies are colored in metallic, shimmering shades of blues and greens. These colors are not a result of pigmentation but are an example of iridescence through structural coloration: the microscopic scales covering the Morpho's wings reflect incident light repeatedly at successive la
[ read more ]
evaporation engine
September 13, 2015 | wet instead of dry | Comments (0)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=291&v=Vj2kuZm-aCA
[ read more ]
mimic the chameleons tongue will offer new robot arms
September 13, 2015 | rough instead of smooth | Comments (0)
Chameleons display many design features including changing skin color and stereoscopic eyesight. Another feature is their ability to capture insects with an extended tongue. Upon sighting fresh prey, the chameleon quickly extends its tongue to twice its body length. The tongue moves outward at ten m
[ read more ]
Spider Web Glass
September 13, 2015 | use colors | Comments (0)
Certain spiders protect their delicately crafted insect nets with a special silk rope that reflects ultraviolet rays. Birds can see the ultraviolet rays and recognize the webs as obstacles they should avoid. If engineers can reproduce the effect, it might save birds from their occasional acci
[ read more ]
Shark´s skin make us faster
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
Technical application: swim suit, clean surfaces, glue this foil on airplanes, small riffles will cause turbulance and degrease friction. Bionic application: shark skin, plankton, insects wing Further description: Electron micr
[ read more ]
Wild animals (macrosystem) show the same behavior like electrons (microsystem)
September 13, 2015 | flexible cover | Comments (0)
The search for a solution led McRae, now a biologist at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, to his past life as an electrical engineer. He had a hunch that the way animals travel through a landscape might be similar to how electricity moves across circuits. If that were the c
[ read more ]
the mystical movement of snakes
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
Snakes have scales on their belly skin which help them move about. On a flat surface, the body weight is continuously redistributed for maximum friction, and the scales provide grip. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have made detailed studies of the movement of the milk snake. The
[ read more ]
evaporation engine
September 13, 2015 | wet instead of dry | Comments (0)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=291&v=Vj2kuZm-aCA
[ read more ]
DIY recycling of plastic waste
September 13, 2015 | Uncategorized | Comments (0)
The second best way to use plastic is to recycle it. Dave Hakkens presents on his webside how it works: https://youtu.be/8J7JZcsoHyA https://preciousplastic.com/en/
[ read more ]
Building based on mechanical stiffness of sea-sponges
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
The Euplectella aspergillum is a cylindrical sponge that lives intropical waters. It has a height of 45 cm. Its exoskeleton consists of hydrated, amorphous silicon dioxide organized into a complexnetwork of spicules that supports the structure. These fibres, whichare 5-10 cm long and as thin as a
[ read more ]
Spider Web Glass
September 13, 2015 | use colors | Comments (0)
Certain spiders protect their delicately crafted insect nets with a special silk rope that reflects ultraviolet rays. Birds can see the ultraviolet rays and recognize the webs as obstacles they should avoid. If engineers can reproduce the effect, it might save birds from their occasional acci
[ read more ]
Cellulose with 7500N/mm² is stronger than Kevlar (R)
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
The Forest Products Laboratory of the US Forest Service has opened a US$1.7 million pilot plant for the production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from wood by-products materials such as wood chips and sawdust. Technical application: substitute for steel or kevlar Bionic appli
[ read more ]
early bionic inspiration: the study of leg bones leads to the Eiffel Tower
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
An international exhibition took place in Paris in 1889, the early counterpart of today’s World’s Fairs. During the planning stage there was competition between architects for new structures to commemorate the grand event. One French engineer, Gustave (Gustavo) Eiffel (1832-1923), went to an unu
[ read more ]
Building based on mechanical stiffness of sea-sponges
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
The Euplectella aspergillum is a cylindrical sponge that lives intropical waters. It has a height of 45 cm. Its exoskeleton consists of hydrated, amorphous silicon dioxide organized into a complexnetwork of spicules that supports the structure. These fibres, whichare 5-10 cm long and as thin as a
[ read more ]
Snail - Robotics
September 13, 2015 | wet instead of dry | Comments (0)
The snail is probably one of the most picked-on creatures in the world. How could this small, slow animal possibly benefit anyone, other than on the French menu as escargot? However, researchers are now copying the design of the snail when making small robots. Technical application: Bio
[ read more ]
Salt-Nano wire for high speed data transfer
September 13, 2015 | transmitter | Comments (0)
We are all familiar with table salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl). This essential, common compound is ordinarily crystalline and brittle in nature. However, many materials behave strangely on the scale of minute quantities, and salt is no exception. Researchers at Boston College have explored tiny sal
[ read more ]
human eye as a model for better wiping systems
September 13, 2015 | separating | Comments (0)
Engineer and inventor Robert Kearns (1929-2005) lived in Detroit, a region surrounded by the auto industry. One misty, rainy day he drove his Ford Galaxie across town. He was irritated by the constant scraping and vibration of the windshield wipers on the semi-dry windshield. At this time, most wip
[ read more ]
the mystical movement of snakes
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
Snakes have scales on their belly skin which help them move about. On a flat surface, the body weight is continuously redistributed for maximum friction, and the scales provide grip. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have made detailed studies of the movement of the milk snake. The
[ read more ]
Dromedary inspires for seawater-salt removal
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
The dromedary camel is at home in the hot Sahara Desert where temperatures can exceed 170°F (77°C). Special features of the camel’s nose allow it conserve precious moisture with each breath. Technical application: seawater-salt removal, desert greening
[ read more ]
Self healing materials
September 13, 2015 | self service | Comments (0)
Many processes in organisms based on the self-organization of biological components. For materials scientists, such substances are a dream: you react autonomously to their environment and can adapt to this different conditions. At the U.S. MIT researchers aim to produce such wonders molecules artifi
[ read more ]
Fluid wood instead of plastic for incredible structures
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Arboform acts a lot like any other petroleum-based plastic to a manufacturer. It can be injection-molded as a heated liquid to form any shape. But Arboform is not made of petroleum. Instead, it is made of “Lignin, combined with resins, flax and other natural fibers” as described in this article:
[ read more ]
Sand fish might help rescue teams
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
The sandfish is a species of skink that burrows into the sand and swims through it. Technical application: reduce friction, might help rescue teams to "dive" into collapsed buildings Bionic application: Further description: Physical effects applied: Video: Cont
[ read more ]
stegosaurus plates for innovative wind-turbines
September 13, 2015 | up/down lift | Comments (0)
Thousands of wind turbines have been installed worldwide in recent years for the production of clean electric energy. Efforts continue to make the large turbines efficient and quiet. One successful modification of existing turbine blades is inspired by the stegosaur. Technical applicat
[ read more ]
sugar for Vaccines conservation
September 13, 2015 | transmitter | Comments (0)
Nova’s stabilisation platforms are based on a sugar-glass stabilization concept. The inspiration for this technology arose from observations of anhydrobiotic organisms, such as the Resurrection Plant (Selaginella lepidophylla), which can protect themselves from extreme desiccation. Such organisms
[ read more ]
Fuel-cell powered by rust?
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
In the quest for the production of renewable and clean energy, photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) constitute a sort of a Holy Grail. Technical application: power train for cars or other vehicles Bionic application: Further description: Physical effects applied: Video: htt
[ read more ]
mimic the dragon fish; put chlorophyll into your eye for higher night vison sensitivity
September 13, 2015 | use colors | Comments (0)
Many marine creatures produce chemical light in a process called bioluminescence. The typical color produced is blue. One group of deep-sea fish, however, called the Malacosteid family, produce an unusual red color. They are also called dragon-fish or loose-jaws. Other fish cannot see or detect the
[ read more ]
leaf-solar collector; make your own hydrogen
September 13, 2015 | separating | Comments (0)
Solar energy is a popular topic today, and plants provide us with ideas for efficient collection of sunshine energy. During photosynthesis, sunlight converts carbon dioxide into water and sugars which nourish the plant. Worldwide, the daily rate of solar energy absorption by vegetation is six times
[ read more ]
Ice-free roads caused by sugar?
September 13, 2015 | pre drawing effect | Comments (0)
Sugar beets provide 30 percent of the world’s sugar. At refineries, the sugar is extracted and a liquid residue remains. In the upper Midwest, it was noticed that this residue, placed in holding ponds, did not freeze under wintry conditions. Chemical studies reveal a natural antifreeze chemical i
[ read more ]
Fluid wood instead of plastic for incredible structures
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Arboform acts a lot like any other petroleum-based plastic to a manufacturer. It can be injection-molded as a heated liquid to form any shape. But Arboform is not made of petroleum. Instead, it is made of “Lignin, combined with resins, flax and other natural fibers” as described in this article:
[ read more ]
bionic penguin as diving robot
September 13, 2015 | up/down lift | Comments (0)
‘Nature demonstrates how maximum performance can be achieved with minimum energy consumption,’ a Festo spokesman said. “The life-size bionic birds are hydrodynamic and can turn like real penguins because of the flexible glass fibre rods that control their heads. Technical application: su
[ read more ]
Termites nest for ventilating skyscrapers
September 13, 2015 | temperature | Comments (0)
Termits use a smart way to ventilate their nest. A team of mechanical and civil engineers at Loughborough University, UK, hopes to construct buildings that can create comfortable living conditions by extending our use of renewable f
[ read more ]
shoals of fish will offer their secret for windfarms
September 13, 2015 | up/down lift | Comments (0)
Wind turbines are the Colossus of the modern landscape, their blades sweeping circles more than a football field in diameter. Critics call them unsightly and say that the rotating blades clobber unsuspecting birds. John Dabiri of Caltech found a solution underwater. He built an experimental wind
[ read more ]
shoals of fish will offer their secret for windfarms
September 13, 2015 | up/down lift | Comments (0)
Wind turbines are the Colossus of the modern landscape, their blades sweeping circles more than a football field in diameter. Critics call them unsightly and say that the rotating blades clobber unsuspecting birds. John Dabiri of Caltech found a solution underwater. He built an experimental wind
[ read more ]
Razor Clam - Anchor
September 13, 2015 | wet instead of dry | Comments (0)
The razor clam has a long narrow shell, somewhat resembling an old-fashioned straight razor. The shells also have a sharp edge. The clam is hunted for food in exposed mudflats along the ocean shoreline. Its defense against people and predators is an impressive ability to burrow underground rapidly
[ read more ]
Self healing materials
September 13, 2015 | self service | Comments (0)
Many processes in organisms based on the self-organization of biological components. For materials scientists, such substances are a dream: you react autonomously to their environment and can adapt to this different conditions. At the U.S. MIT researchers aim to produce such wonders molecules artifi
[ read more ]
Wild animals (macrosystem) show the same behavior like electrons (microsystem)
September 13, 2015 | flexible cover | Comments (0)
The search for a solution led McRae, now a biologist at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, to his past life as an electrical engineer. He had a hunch that the way animals travel through a landscape might be similar to how electricity moves across circuits. If that were the c
[ read more ]
Shark Skin as an bacteria barrier
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
In the sea, a whale’s skin is home to barnacles, algae, and bacteria. In contrast, shark skin is squeaky clean. Parasites appear unable to attach to the shark skin. It is thought that the many small ridges and bumps on the shark’s skin surface discourage attachment. Bacteria prefer to colonize a
[ read more ]
Building based on mechanical stiffness of sea-sponges
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
The Euplectella aspergillum is a cylindrical sponge that lives intropical waters. It has a height of 45 cm. Its exoskeleton consists of hydrated, amorphous silicon dioxide organized into a complexnetwork of spicules that supports the structure. These fibres, whichare 5-10 cm long and as thin as a
[ read more ]
lizard tail for stabilizers
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Lizards are some of the most versatile animals on the planet. Geckoes for example can climb straight up walls, even across glass ceilings upside down. Their feet have been studied to learn how to make better adhesives. Now, lizards are the subject of a new investigation which includes the dinosaurs.
[ read more ]
Sea Urchin inspires for Self-sharpening Tools
September 13, 2015 | stability | Comments (0)
The sea urchin is well known for its many outward-pointing spines. However, five symmetric teeth at the center of its body are even more impressive than the spines. These teeth are able to chew through solid rock, making a cavity in which the sea urchin hides and withstands the surge of water curre
[ read more ]
diffusion
September 13, 2015 | diffusion | Comments (0)
"Molecular diffusion", often simply called diffusion, is the thermal motion of all (liquid or gas) particles at temperatures above absolute zero. The rate of this movement is a function of temperature, viscosity of the fluid and the size (mass) of the particles. Diffusion explains the net flux of mo
[ read more ]
tree frog climb wet and dirty surfaces as well as upside down surfaces without falling
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
Here is an activity to try with a length of adhesive tape. Press the tape against a dusty surface several times. As expected, the tape quickly loses its holding strength as dust particles collect and coat the sticky side. In contrast, consider tree frogs which thrive in dusty, wet, or muddy surround
[ read more ]
Razor Clam - Anchor
September 13, 2015 | wet instead of dry | Comments (0)
The razor clam has a long narrow shell, somewhat resembling an old-fashioned straight razor. The shells also have a sharp edge. The clam is hunted for food in exposed mudflats along the ocean shoreline. Its defense against people and predators is an impressive ability to burrow underground rapidly
[ read more ]
ultra-small lab equipment based on Bladderworts roots
September 13, 2015 | up/down lift | Comments (0)
One of the smallest traps in the world is inspiring physicists in studies of fluids. Bladderworts are a type of plant that grows in standing water or wet soil, and sometimes in very rough conditions. A unique aspect of this plant is its underwater roots which include many microscopic bladder-like t
[ read more ]
Dolphin-Monofin
September 13, 2015 | speed | Comments (0)
Many sea creatures including dolphins, porpoises, and whales have a tail structure that results in impressive bursts of speed. Their tail fin, called a fluke, is waved back and forth to provide forward motion. Meanwhile, the pectoral and dorsal fins provide directional stability. Dolphins reach spee
[ read more ]
evaporation engine
September 13, 2015 | wet instead of dry | Comments (0)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=291&v=Vj2kuZm-aCA
[ read more ]
Use algae to create meachanical nano gears
September 13, 2015 | tension | Comments (0)
Diatoms are microscopic, single-celled algae. They are typically a few microns in diameter, ten times smaller than the width of a human hair. There are many thousands of distinct diatom species known, in both plant and animal varieties. They exist in countless numbers in the sea and are the base of
[ read more ]
bio-inspired spring to reach your tall targets
September 13, 2015 | up/down lift | Comments (0)
It has long been known that many climbing plants produce unusual tendrils for grasping and climbing. When stretched tightly, the spiral-shaped fibers do not unwind to a flat ribbon like a typical spring shape such as a telephone cord. Instead, when stretched, sections of the fiber coil further in t
[ read more ]
beaver teeths for sharp cutting-tools
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
German engineers have applied the tooth sharpening ability of rodents to cutting tools. Beavers, rats, rabbits and similar rodents depend on their teeth for survival. They are experts at gnawing, and their teeth are designed with a self-sharpening ability. Unlike our own, rodent teeth are covered
[ read more ]
our brain inspires for supercomputers
September 13, 2015 | swarm intelligence | Comments (0)
Computers have come a long way but they still primitive compared with our own brainpower. Our brains can handle much more information and processing than any supercomputer yet developed. The brain is so far superior to current computers that scientists seek ways to mimic its “wiring” in modern c
[ read more ]
electric eel inspires for medical implant
September 13, 2015 | power | Comments (0)
The 650 volts of electricity and one ampere of current is sufficient to stun large sea creatures within about two meters distance. The electric eel's ability comes from 5000-6000 internal layers of cells or electroplaques, stacked in a series circuit like the cells of a car battery.
[ read more ]
will our lungs help to reduce carbon dioxid emissions on our planet?
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
Our hard-working lungs clearly show intelligent planning. Within our lungs, countless tiny air sacks called alveoli exchange gases from the bloodstream, supplying fresh oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. The component membranes which allow separation and passage of the gases are about one thousand
[ read more ]
Spider Web Glass
September 13, 2015 | use colors | Comments (0)
Certain spiders protect their delicately crafted insect nets with a special silk rope that reflects ultraviolet rays. Birds can see the ultraviolet rays and recognize the webs as obstacles they should avoid. If engineers can reproduce the effect, it might save birds from their occasional acci
[ read more ]
Use algae to create meachanical nano gears
September 13, 2015 | tension | Comments (0)
Diatoms are microscopic, single-celled algae. They are typically a few microns in diameter, ten times smaller than the width of a human hair. There are many thousands of distinct diatom species known, in both plant and animal varieties. They exist in countless numbers in the sea and are the base of
[ read more ]
Fluid wood instead of plastic for incredible structures
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Arboform acts a lot like any other petroleum-based plastic to a manufacturer. It can be injection-molded as a heated liquid to form any shape. But Arboform is not made of petroleum. Instead, it is made of “Lignin, combined with resins, flax and other natural fibers” as described in this article:
[ read more ]
mimic the chameleons tongue will offer new robot arms
September 13, 2015 | rough instead of smooth | Comments (0)
Chameleons display many design features including changing skin color and stereoscopic eyesight. Another feature is their ability to capture insects with an extended tongue. Upon sighting fresh prey, the chameleon quickly extends its tongue to twice its body length. The tongue moves outward at ten m
[ read more ]
Salt-Nano wire for high speed data transfer
September 13, 2015 | transmitter | Comments (0)
We are all familiar with table salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl). This essential, common compound is ordinarily crystalline and brittle in nature. However, many materials behave strangely on the scale of minute quantities, and salt is no exception. Researchers at Boston College have explored tiny sal
[ read more ]
our brain inspires for supercomputers
September 13, 2015 | swarm intelligence | Comments (0)
Computers have come a long way but they still primitive compared with our own brainpower. Our brains can handle much more information and processing than any supercomputer yet developed. The brain is so far superior to current computers that scientists seek ways to mimic its “wiring” in modern c
[ read more ]
