Mimicking the Building Prowess of Nature

By Emily Singer

Mimicking the Building Prowess of Nature

Scientists build new materials using inspiration from complex biological forms.

Not-so-smooth glass: An even closer image of the surface of the sponge, captured with electron microscopy, shows multiple layers within the structure. These layers of natural glass fibers add strength and conduct light from the environment. Each thread is about 100 microns wide, or about the width of a human hair. (By Joanna Aizenberg and James Weaver)

Credit: Joanna Aizenberg and James Weaver

924 Days Ago
11/12/2009

Organic Templates

Very cool! If we can aquire the knowledge from these examples - all of which have been perfected in nature over millions of years, and adapt them to every day tools or processes there will be huge increases in efficiencies.

924 Days Ago
11/12/2009

Bio-mimicry database

For way more examples of nature's engineering prowess, check out the bio-mimicry database: http://asknature.org

Here's the really interesting TED talk where the founder introduces it: http://www.ted.com/talks/janine_benyus_biomimicry_in_action.html