to remember again why we wake up every day…
All posts by bionicinspiration
Overview
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
use liana or an air-beam to conquer long distances
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Tensairity® is a revolutionary light weight beam element developed by Airlight Ldt. The synergetic combination of an airbeam, cables and struts leads to this extraordinary light weight structure, using very low internal pressure but with the load bearing capacity of conventional steel girders.
[ read more ]
Use water as a memory storage for computers?
September 13, 2015 | shape | Comments (0)
At first, we strenuously observed crystals of tap water, river water, and lake water. From the tap water we could not get any beautiful crystals. We could not get any beautiful ones from rivers and lakes near big cities, either. Technical application: memory storage, health care applications
[ read more ]
Pilot Whale for a Self-cleaning Ship Hull and safe of fuel costs
September 13, 2015 | wet instead of dry | Comments (0)
Long-finned pilot whales swim in cool regions of the oceans. They grow to 12-16 feet in length and weigh several tons. The whales are characterized by an enlarged forehead and a swimming behavior similar to dolphins. The creatures are found to have highly-specialized apparatus for maintaining smoot
[ read more ]
eye-lens camera contact lens and monitoring your body for health purposes
September 13, 2015 | separating | Comments (0)
First watch the video below! Cameras have long mimicked the optics of the eye. Both collect and focus light with a convex outer lens. However, cameras have a shortcoming: They typically focus the image onto a flat surface. Whether this surface is covered with film or a digital sensor, distortio
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
Alga drive hydrogen vehicles
September 13, 2015 | power | Comments (0)
The biological hydrogen production with algae is a method of photobiological water splitting which is done in a closed photobioreactor based on the production of hydrogen as a solar fuel by algae. Technical application: propellent for cars Bionic application: Further description:
[ read more ]
use liana or an air-beam to conquer long distances
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Tensairity® is a revolutionary light weight beam element developed by Airlight Ldt. The synergetic combination of an airbeam, cables and struts leads to this extraordinary light weight structure, using very low internal pressure but with the load bearing capacity of conventional steel girders.
[ 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 ]
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 ]
airtight and flexible, the Arampaima skin
September 13, 2015 | tension | Comments (0)
Brazil's Amazon waterways are home to the feared piranha. The razor-like teeth of these aggressive fish make quick work of most prey. However, large Arapaima fish share space with piranha, even in crowded ponds. Arapaima are one of the largest freshwater fish, reaching 300 pounds and a length of 8 f
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
use liana or an air-beam to conquer long distances
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Tensairity® is a revolutionary light weight beam element developed by Airlight Ldt. The synergetic combination of an airbeam, cables and struts leads to this extraordinary light weight structure, using very low internal pressure but with the load bearing capacity of conventional steel girders.
[ 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 ]
Zebrafish hearing can inspire to heal hearing disorders at humans
September 13, 2015 | transmitter | Comments (0)
The zebrafish lives in tropical waters and is a popular aquarium resident. This fish has clusters of hair cells spaced along its body. The hair follicles sense pressure changes and vibrations in water. This information helps the zebrafish navigate and avoid predators. The hairs are rooted in skin ce
[ 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 ]
walefin for optimized turbines
September 13, 2015 | up/down lift | Comments (0)
The humpback whale has pronounced bumps or tubercles along the leading edge of its pectoral flippers (above left). A idealized model of the flipper (above upper right), which was tested in a wind tunnel, demonstrated that the tubercles enhanced hydrodynamic performance... Technical application:
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
Harvest gold out of plants - Phytomining
September 13, 2015 | separating | Comments (0)
The technique of phytomining involves growing a crop of a metal-hyperaccumulating plant species, harvesting the biomass and burning it to produce a bio-ore. In the first phytomining experiment, it was found that a yield of 100 kg/ha of sulphur-free Ni could be produced. Technical application:
[ 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 ]
Insect´s eye for gigapixel cameras
September 13, 2015 | use colors | Comments (0)
Insects have a wide field of view and are acutely sensitive to motion, as anyone who has tried chasing a housefly knows. Researchers have now created a digital camera that mimics the curved, compound structure of an insect eye. These cameras could be used where wide viewing angles are important and
[ read more ]
horestail as logarithm-chart
September 13, 2015 | measuring and detection | Comments (0)
Perhaps you recall seeing a reed-like plant growing near a pond or wetland. The plant stem has several telescoping sections which can be pulled apart and reconnected. It is commonly called horsetail, snake grass, or puzzlegrass. Named Equisetum, this is the only living member of a family of plants
[ 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 ]
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 ]
flexible eye lens focused by a fluid
September 13, 2015 | volume | Comments (0)
The lens in our eye has a special designed feature called accommodation. That is, the lens changes shape, curvature, or focal length to bring images into focus. When we look at a far distant object the lens becomes thinner. For nearby objects the lens thickens and becomes rounder for clear vision.
[ read more ]
Dog inspired drying machines
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Perhaps you have stood near a wet dog as it dries by shaking its fur. Watch out! An impressive amount of water is thrown off in all directions. The shaking technique for furry creatures including mice, dogs, and bears is studied by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. They
[ read more ]
flexible eye lens focused by a fluid
September 13, 2015 | volume | Comments (0)
The lens in our eye has a special designed feature called accommodation. That is, the lens changes shape, curvature, or focal length to bring images into focus. When we look at a far distant object the lens becomes thinner. For nearby objects the lens thickens and becomes rounder for clear vision.
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
scorpion "skin" for more abrasion resistance
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
A species of North African scorpion does not mind getting sand blasted or whipped by desert winds. While other desert creatures burrow downward for protection, the scorpion scurries in the open and withstands abrasion. Studies reveal that its surface is covered with many hardened, dome-shaped bumps
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
Hook fastener with up to 35 tonns / m²
September 13, 2015 | transmitter | Comments (0)
Hook and loop fasteners have become commonplace features of both industry and households. These fasteners are resistant to chemicals and can withstand a tensile load of up to 35 tonnes per square meter at temperatures as high as 800°C. Technical application: Metaklett is basi
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
gecko feet sticks by the force of electricity
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
Electronic circuits typically constructed on very thin silicon surfaces. Now, suppose that we want to transfer such a circuit unto a non-flat surface such as cloth or leather. Circuits are fragile and any surface contact during movement can be destructive. Researchers at Northwestern University and
[ 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 ]
evaporation engine
September 13, 2015 | wet instead of dry | Comments (0)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=291&v=Vj2kuZm-aCA
[ read more ]
Desert beatle help us to harvest water
September 13, 2015 | wet instead of dry | Comments (0)
To drink water, the S. gracilipes stands on a small ridge of sand using its long, spindly legs. Technical application: water bottles, tents for refugees, Steam Power Condensers, Refrigeration, Atmospheric Water Generation Bionic application: Further description: Physical effec
[ 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 ]
eye-lens camera contact lens and monitoring your body for health purposes
September 13, 2015 | separating | Comments (0)
First watch the video below! Cameras have long mimicked the optics of the eye. Both collect and focus light with a convex outer lens. However, cameras have a shortcoming: They typically focus the image onto a flat surface. Whether this surface is covered with film or a digital sensor, distortio
[ read more ]
future glass will withstand the impact of a baseball
September 13, 2015 | stability | Comments (0)
How do sea shells stay in one piece as they are buffeted constantly by strong currents and waves? After all, most shells consist of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) which is a brittle and relatively weak material. Calcium carbonate takes many forms including marble, limestone, and chalk. One secret of s
[ 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 ]
Honeycomb for stiff constructions
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Honeycomb structures are natural or man-made structures that have the geometry of a honeycomb to allow the minimization of the amount of used material to reach minimal weight and minimal material cost. Technical application: composit materials, low weight constructions Bionic applicatio
[ 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 ]
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 ]
Zebrafish hearing can inspire to heal hearing disorders at humans
September 13, 2015 | transmitter | Comments (0)
The zebrafish lives in tropical waters and is a popular aquarium resident. This fish has clusters of hair cells spaced along its body. The hair follicles sense pressure changes and vibrations in water. This information helps the zebrafish navigate and avoid predators. The hairs are rooted in skin ce
[ 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 ]
What plasic does with our planet
September 13, 2015 | Uncategorized | Comments (0)
Watch this shocking video about plasic on midway island... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsJqMmuFWO4 A solution for this problem could be "Bioplastic"
[ read more ]
Dog inspired drying machines
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Perhaps you have stood near a wet dog as it dries by shaking its fur. Watch out! An impressive amount of water is thrown off in all directions. The shaking technique for furry creatures including mice, dogs, and bears is studied by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. They
[ read more ]
Alga drive hydrogen vehicles
September 13, 2015 | power | Comments (0)
The biological hydrogen production with algae is a method of photobiological water splitting which is done in a closed photobioreactor based on the production of hydrogen as a solar fuel by algae. Technical application: propellent for cars Bionic application: Further description:
[ 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 ]
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 ]
"Killer Whales" inspire for Undersea Hydrophone
September 13, 2015 | periodical action | Comments (0)
Sound is always produced and heard as a vibration, whether a violin string, vocal chords, or an ear drum. Sound vibrations in our hearing range vary between 20 and 20,000 cycles per second. Sound waves travel in air as vibrating air molecules, and also through water as pressure waves. Underwater mic
[ read more ]
dandelion roots as substitute for common rubber
September 13, 2015 | speed | Comments (0)
Continental has at the Commercial Vehicle IAA his future version of the tire presents: Sustainable, and especially less dependent on price fluctuations than the usual natural rubber, is the tire manufacturer on the commodity dandelion. On Tuesday the first test tire rubber from dandelions was prese
[ 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 ]
Seashells are harder than ceramics and can be printed by your desktop 3D printer?
September 13, 2015 | tension | Comments (0)
For example, an abalone shell is stronger than high-tech ceramics because of its internal structure. Diatom shells are made of silica (glass), but they are extremely strong because of their stress-distributing pattern of holes. Like nature, 3-D printers can excel at building complex structures fr
[ read more ]
Hook fastener with up to 35 tonns / m²
September 13, 2015 | transmitter | Comments (0)
Hook and loop fasteners have become commonplace features of both industry and households. These fasteners are resistant to chemicals and can withstand a tensile load of up to 35 tonnes per square meter at temperatures as high as 800°C. Technical application: Metaklett is basi
[ 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 ]
Hook fastener with up to 35 tonns / m²
September 13, 2015 | transmitter | Comments (0)
Hook and loop fasteners have become commonplace features of both industry and households. These fasteners are resistant to chemicals and can withstand a tensile load of up to 35 tonnes per square meter at temperatures as high as 800°C. Technical application: Metaklett is basi
[ 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 ]
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 ]
Thorny Devil Lizard as Water Collector
September 13, 2015 | rough instead of smooth | Comments (0)
The thorny devil lizard, or thorny dragon, lives in the desert areas of central Australia. This lizard, just 4-6 inches long, looks ferocious with a body completely covered with thorny spines. Two additional large pointed scales on its head resemble curved horns. How does this animal survive in
[ read more ]
Cat's Claw - Safety Thumbtack
September 13, 2015 | self service | Comments (0)
Many of us remember the misfortune of stepping on a thumbtack, sitting on a tack (!), or reaching into a box of thumbtacks and getting pricked. New York design engineer Toshi Fukaya has now found a simple solution to the painful problem. Technical application: spike, tires, grip app
[ 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 ]
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 ]
use liana or an air-beam to conquer long distances
September 13, 2015 | weight | Comments (0)
Tensairity® is a revolutionary light weight beam element developed by Airlight Ldt. The synergetic combination of an airbeam, cables and struts leads to this extraordinary light weight structure, using very low internal pressure but with the load bearing capacity of conventional steel girders.
[ read more ]
Flying with Algae
September 13, 2015 | power | Comments (0)
Jülich, 16 May 2014 – A global society and a functioning world economy would not be conceivable without mobility. An important role is played by the aviation industry, which needs solutions for sustainable fuel in the near future. The AUFWIND project investigates algae production and conversion t
[ 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 ]
Harvest gold out of plants - Phytomining
September 13, 2015 | separating | Comments (0)
The technique of phytomining involves growing a crop of a metal-hyperaccumulating plant species, harvesting the biomass and burning it to produce a bio-ore. In the first phytomining experiment, it was found that a yield of 100 kg/ha of sulphur-free Ni could be produced. Technical application:
[ read more ]
future glass will withstand the impact of a baseball
September 13, 2015 | stability | Comments (0)
How do sea shells stay in one piece as they are buffeted constantly by strong currents and waves? After all, most shells consist of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) which is a brittle and relatively weak material. Calcium carbonate takes many forms including marble, limestone, and chalk. One secret of s
[ 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 ]
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 ]
Thorny Devil Lizard as Water Collector
September 13, 2015 | rough instead of smooth | Comments (0)
The thorny devil lizard, or thorny dragon, lives in the desert areas of central Australia. This lizard, just 4-6 inches long, looks ferocious with a body completely covered with thorny spines. Two additional large pointed scales on its head resemble curved horns. How does this animal survive in
[ 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 ]
gecko feet sticks by the force of electricity
September 13, 2015 | surface | Comments (0)
Electronic circuits typically constructed on very thin silicon surfaces. Now, suppose that we want to transfer such a circuit unto a non-flat surface such as cloth or leather. Circuits are fragile and any surface contact during movement can be destructive. Researchers at Northwestern University and
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
Harvest gold out of plants – Phytomining
The technique of phytomining involves growing a crop of a metal-
hyperaccumulating plant species, harvesting the
biomass and burning it to produce a bio-ore. In the first phytomining experiment, it was found that a yield of 100 kg/ha of sulphur-free Ni could be produced.
Technical application:
The caterpillars Plage – new resistant animals and plants in Brazil’s agriculture. A faulty development of genetic engineering and natural solutions
A report by ö1.orf.at from Brazil
The Agricultural Research Authority ‘Embrapa’ enlightens about the new crawler plague caused by genetic modified plants.
Technical application:
Zebrafish hearing can inspire to heal hearing disorders at humans
The zebrafish lives in tropical waters and is a popular aquarium resident. This fish has clusters of hair cells spaced along its body. The hair follicles sense pressure changes and vibrations in water. This information helps the zebrafish navigate and avoid predators. The hairs are rooted in skin cells which have nerve connections with the brain. Studies show that when a hair cell is damaged, the zebrafish regenerates a replacement.
Technical application:
Continue reading Zebrafish hearing can inspire to heal hearing disorders at humans
Squid – Arresting device
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 technologies for stopping vehicles. One promising device is inspired by the squid.
Technical application:
Snail – Robotics
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:
Shrimp Eye could inspire for a new storage format
The peacock mantis shrimp lives in southern seas, growing from one to seven inches long. It is a colorful animal, yet fearsome to its prey. The shrimp’s club-like appendages readily crack and break open shells for food. The striking movement has been clocked at an impressive 50 miles/hour. The shrimp easily can break glass, and therefore is sometimes kept in an acrylic aquarium.
Along with its breaking ability, the shrimp’s eyesight is also very special. Its eyes are found to be sensitive to polarized light. Such light displays a complex alignment of vibrating waves. Many animals are found to utilize polarized light, unlike our own eyes. Electronic DVD and CD players also make use of polarized light, and this is where the mantis shrimp may provide help. Digital electronics typically is limited to certain portions of the light spectrum, often infrared wavelengths. Meanwhile, the mantis shrimp is sensitive to polarized light from all the colors of visible spectrum. Further understanding of the shrimp’s advanced optics may greatly improve our ability to store and process digital data. Scientists at Bristol University, England are probing the unusual eyesight of the peacock mantis shrimp.
Technical application:
Continue reading Shrimp Eye could inspire for a new storage format
Shark Skin as an bacteria barrier
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 smooth surface; a textured surface many require too much energy. The shark skin does not kill bacteria but simply discourages their presence. As a result, there is little chance of bacteria overcoming their resistance to shark skin.
Technical application:
In hospitals nursing call buttons, bed rails, and tray tables.
In restaurant door handles, especially in public restrooms
Sea Urchin inspires for Self-sharpening Tools
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 currents. Scientists have long wondered how sea urchin tee
th can withstand grinding and scraping against rock surfaces. After all, the teeth are made of calcite (CaCO3) which is just average in mineral hardness.
Technical application:
Continue reading Sea Urchin inspires for Self-sharpening Tools