porcupines inspire for medical applications and wound healing
September 13, 2015 | shape | Comments (0)
North American porcupines are well known for their unusual defense. An adult is coated with perhaps 30,000 needle-like hairs. An unfortunate dog that gets too close may find its nose resembling a pin cushion. Furthermore, the needles are not easy to remove. They are coated with microscopic, flexibl
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
Sea Cucumber-Brain Implant
September 13, 2015 | occurs when necessary | Comments (0)
Sea cucumbers are found on the floor of all the world’s oceans. Their tubular shape resembles a cucumber taken from the garden. The animals frequent shallow coastal waters and are also found in the deepest ocean. Sea cucumbers, also called sea slugs, are colorful occupants of many salt water aquar
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
a much more efficient impellent for submarines
September 13, 2015 | speed | Comments (0)
A researcher at Caltech is developing new ways to power submarines and windmills using the lowly jellyfish. Jellyfish have a unique method of swimming through ocean water. Rather than using fins and flippers, they “pump” their body to produce ring-shaped pulses of water called vortex rings. Thes
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
capillary action
September 13, 2015 | Capillary action | Comments (0)
Capillary action (sometimes capillarity, capillary motion, or wicking) is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, and in opposition to, external forces like gravity. The effect can be seen in the drawing up of liquids between the hairs of a paint-brush, in a thin
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
dog paw inspires for shoes
September 13, 2015 | segmentation | Comments (0)
In 1935, inventor Paul Sperry sought a solution to a problem encountered in his hobby of sailing off the shore of New England. Whenever the boat deck became wet, it was slippery and dangerous. One winter day during a walk, he noticed that his cocker spaniel remained surefooted, even on slippery side
[ 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 ]
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 ]
Sea Cucumber-Brain Implant
September 13, 2015 | occurs when necessary | Comments (0)
Sea cucumbers are found on the floor of all the world’s oceans. Their tubular shape resembles a cucumber taken from the garden. The animals frequent shallow coastal waters and are also found in the deepest ocean. Sea cucumbers, also called sea slugs, are colorful occupants of many salt water aquar
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
Saliva a wound-healing elixier
September 13, 2015 | wet instead of dry | Comments (0)
This example of a practical design in nature may lack appeal but it is vitally important to our health. A common phrase is to “lick one’s own wounds.” This saying expresses the effort to care for one’s own needs and generally look out for oneself. However, there is a more practical applicati
[ 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 ]
Scientists Mimic Fireflies to Make Brighter LEDs
September 13, 2015 | power | Comments (0)
The nighttime twinkling of fireflies has inspired scientists to modify a light-emitting diode (LED) so it is more than one and a half times as efficient as the original. Researchers from Belgium, France, and Canada studied the internal structure of firefly lanterns, the organs on the bioluminescent
[ read more ]
osmose-driven powerplants on every river delta offers gigantic energy
September 13, 2015 | power | Comments (0)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5VBIYNBaDk
[ 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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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An exciting view on bionic engineering
September 13, 2015 | multifunctionality | Comments (0)
http://www.ted.com/talks/hugh_herr_the_new_bionics_that_let_us_run_climb_and_dance
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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eMotionSpheres like a jellyfish swarm
September 13, 2015 | swarm intelligence | Comments (0)
With the eMotionSpheres, Festo shows how several flying objects can move in a coordinated manner and within a defined space. Whether individually or collectively – even in chaotic situations, there are no collisions as the spheres move out of each other’s way. T
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