Not a lot of new news in this for readers of Greenr but great to see these examples in the pages of National Geographic. Seaweed is just one of the innovations of nature from which engineers are drawing inspiration as they seek to design energy systems that are cleaner and more efficient. In plants—the engines […]
Category Archives: biomimicry
Babies Help Make Computers More Human
DIY Sensors
Geckskin – Hold 700 Pounds on a Smooth Wall
Helicopter Rotor Blades Inspired by Whales
First an inspiration for more efficient wind power, the Tubercles on the fins of humpback whales may now inspire a new generation of helicopter rotor blades: When looking for ways to delay the onset of stalling in helicopters, researchers at Göttingen struck gold with humpback whales – which is somewhat surprising at first glance. “These marine mammals […]
Beetle Velcro
Via my friend Scott Mize: Advanced Materials reports on a  reversible mechanical interlocker inspired from the wing locking device of beetles. The interlocker is highly flexible and displays an extremely high shear locking force of ∼40 N/cm2 as well as an easy normal lift-off. The image shows an illustration for the wing-locking device of beetles […]
Apple Aims to “reinvent the biology textbook”
For 20+ years we’ve been talking about the role of computers in transforming education. Today’s iBooks announcement is another step in the right direction, especially when Apple launches with a biology book! Schiller was particularly excited about announcing a partnership with the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, saying they aim to “reinvent the biology textbookâ€.The first […]