Up-and-coming innovations inspired by insects
From accurate color assessment to a novel way of judging distance, scientists are learning new innovation technologies from insects. This article from Cosmos summarizes five of the most exciting up-and-coming technologies inspired by insects and spiders. The article covers a nice sampling of how the teams have extended, mathematically validated, and translated biological lessons to applications.
Curated by Jamie Dwyer
How bacteria turns waste into fuel
An enzyme, vanadium nitrogenase, found in soil bacteria, can convert simple molecules, like carbon monoxide or other industrial waste gases, into useful hydrocarbon fuels, according to this Science Daily article. While it’s not the overall, long-term direction we want to go in terms of energy production, mimicking the reaction center of this enzyme could replace current heat-beat-and treat methods of fuel production.
Curated by Mark Dorfman
Mega inspiration for some of humanity's toughest challenges
Along with an inspiring title (“Nature is more valuable than you thought”), this World Economic Forum article has a great rundown of some super-power, nature-inspired innovations that could help drastically reduce the impact humans have on Earth. I particularly like seeing the system-wide solutions mentioned here. Innovating at an ecosystem level is crucial to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges.
Curated by Janine Benyus
'Solution-seekers' pitch nature-inspired innovations to curb climate change
The Biomimicry Institute’s Biomimicry Global Design Challenge has moved teams through to the next stage in their climate-related challenge. The Ray C. Anderson Foundation is financially helping five of these university teams accelerate from idea to prototype to marketplace. Watch videos introducing the biomimicry concepts here.
Curated by Jamie Dwyer
Microorganisms could inspire the next generations of materials
Microorganisms surround and protect themselves with watery biofilms consisting largely of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). These multifunctional polymers could inspire new, high performing materials with interesting properties. This Science Magazine article explores the role of EPS in the transport of electrons–a phenomenon essential for everything from chemical transformation to signalling.
Curated by Mark Dorfman
Anti-reflective moth eyes could create better solar cells
Have we tapped the full potential of nature’s strategies? Hardly. Dr. Wu at the University of Central Florida has expanded research into the anti-reflecting properties of moth eyes for better solar cells to sunlight readable tablet and phone screens, according to this Optical Society article. One strategy, one (body part of one) organism, endless applications–where else can you imagine needing to manage reflectivity?
Curated by Dayna BaumeisterTry Out Synapse for Free
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