Biomimetics is fuelling a scientific revolution. It is a relatively new science that studies nature, its models, systems, processes and elements and then imitates or takes creative inspiration from nature to solve human problems sustainably.
The speed of technological advance over the last 20 years has been dizzying, but the environmental performance of technology has not kept pace. For example high-tech composites are impossible to recycle and microchip manufacture releases toxic cocktails into the air. Space age technology is causing havoc on space-ship earth.
But the animals, plants, insects and microbes that surround us are nature's engineers who have spent millions of years on research and development. Using tiny cell factories and DNA blueprints, nature builds and rebuilds, designing organisms that are custom-made to survive in their special ecosystems.
Nature has been so busy perfecting the principles of chemistry, biology and physics that when you take a closer look you will discover many clever example of nature's technologies: that are fascinating not just to scientists but to all of us.
Many people believe our future lies in computers and space-travel, but it is more likely that the ingenuity and interventions of nature's tiny organisms will hold the keys to unlocking future problems.
"Those who are inspired by a model other than Nature, a mistress above all masters, are laboring in vain." Leonardo DaVinci,
"Biomimicry is basically a problem solving tool" Janine Benyus
The speed of technological advance over the last 20 years has been dizzying, but the environmental performance of technology has not kept pace. For example high-tech composites are impossible to recycle and microchip manufacture releases toxic cocktails into the air. Space age technology is causing havoc on space-ship earth.
But the animals, plants, insects and microbes that surround us are nature's engineers who have spent millions of years on research and development. Using tiny cell factories and DNA blueprints, nature builds and rebuilds, designing organisms that are custom-made to survive in their special ecosystems.
Nature has been so busy perfecting the principles of chemistry, biology and physics that when you take a closer look you will discover many clever example of nature's technologies: that are fascinating not just to scientists but to all of us.
Many people believe our future lies in computers and space-travel, but it is more likely that the ingenuity and interventions of nature's tiny organisms will hold the keys to unlocking future problems.
"Those who are inspired by a model other than Nature, a mistress above all masters, are laboring in vain." Leonardo DaVinci,
"Biomimicry is basically a problem solving tool" Janine Benyus
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The Kaitiakitanga website talks about Biomimicry in New Zealand. Nature's Techno Tricks by Pignéguy is one of the first books about Biomimicry and it comes from Aotearoa (New Zealand). Center for Ecoliteracy Biomimicry Institute The Peak Energy blog provides examples of the ways people are developing energy sustainability using the principles of biomimetics |
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Nature is a treasure trove of biological structures providing brilliant designs and a whole new set of tools.
Nature's Techno Tricks - Biomimetics: Science mimicking nature provides new inspiration for bringing biomimetics into the home and the classroom. The developing science of biomimetics is fuelling a scientific revolution and this book will demonstrate how nature's technologies are generating green jobs for the future. Scientists and inventors believe the possibilities for copying nature's technologies are limitless.
For example did you know that the wings of the blue morpho butterfly inspired cell-phone makers, to produce the colourful, glare-free effect on the screen?
How would nature create colour without harmful chemicals or dyes? How would nature find water in the desert? How does nature develop anti collision systems or desalinate water? How does nature make glass and ceramics and non-toxic waterproof adhesives? Nature's Techno Tricks will reveal the answers to all these questions and more. You will be constantly amazed by the hidden powers of animals and the technologies they use to survive in a complex world.
The study of biomimetics (biomimicry) will introduce the wisdom of the living Earth, changing the way we value our planet and help all of us find sustainable solutions for many of the environmental problems we face.
To learn more about the exciting world of biomimetics, just open the pages of Nature's Techno Tricks, because there is no greater gift we can give to children than to reconnect them with Nature, the Mother of Invention.
Whether you are 5 years old or 95 you will find inspiration in the pages of Nature's Techno Tricks.
Look inside Nature's Techno Tricks
For example did you know that the wings of the blue morpho butterfly inspired cell-phone makers, to produce the colourful, glare-free effect on the screen?
How would nature create colour without harmful chemicals or dyes? How would nature find water in the desert? How does nature develop anti collision systems or desalinate water? How does nature make glass and ceramics and non-toxic waterproof adhesives? Nature's Techno Tricks will reveal the answers to all these questions and more. You will be constantly amazed by the hidden powers of animals and the technologies they use to survive in a complex world.
The study of biomimetics (biomimicry) will introduce the wisdom of the living Earth, changing the way we value our planet and help all of us find sustainable solutions for many of the environmental problems we face.
To learn more about the exciting world of biomimetics, just open the pages of Nature's Techno Tricks, because there is no greater gift we can give to children than to reconnect them with Nature, the Mother of Invention.
Whether you are 5 years old or 95 you will find inspiration in the pages of Nature's Techno Tricks.
Look inside Nature's Techno Tricks
New Release
Nature's Techno Tricks:
Biomimetics - Science Mimicking Nature
Storylines Noteable Book, Non-fiction 2010
ISBN 978-0-9582966-1-8
Papawai Press 2009
RRP $24.99
Nature's Techno Tricks:Biomimetics - Science Mimicking Nature
Storylines Noteable Book, Non-fiction 2010
ISBN 978-0-9582966-1-8
Papawai Press 2009
RRP $24.99
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2010 Biodiversity: Our life support system. Examples of Biomimicry are everywhere. |
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Dragonfly Wings. Scientists are studying how they use air flow so efficiently to help design jet fighters. |
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A Vulture is using his quill feathers to reduce the effect of the vortices in the air. |
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Galapagos Marine Iguana an example of nature's miniature desalination systems. |
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Water striders walk on water with the help of water repellant hairs and by using vortices. |
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The chambered Nautilus can regulate buoyancy by using flotation tanks. |
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Many beetles emit their own light using chemicals they make. |
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Geckos use nano-hairs to climb up sheer walls. Forget spiderman. Gecko Girl rules! |
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Wasps design and build their air conditioned apartments cell by cell using paper they make. |
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Whalepower pumps were inspired by the tubercles on the flippers of the humpback whale. |
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Nature: there is no better gift we can give our children. |