The open internet gives education a new place from which to access the knowledge it teaches. Organization of that knowledge that mimics nature’s network laws will keep us from laboring in vain. Supporting evidence is found in one of the most popular listings this morning on delicious: The 15 Coolest Cases of Biomimicry, which begins:
“Those who are inspired by a model other than Nature, a mistress above all masters, are laboring in vain. – Leonardo Da Vinci . Biomimicry – The practice of developing sustainable human technologies inspired by nature. Sometimes called Biomimetics or Bionics, it’s basically biologically inspired engineering.”
My personal favorite, of the 15 cases, is Lotus Effect Hydrophobia.
They call it “superhydrophobicity,” but it’s really a biomimetic application of what is known as the Lotus Effect. The surface of lotus leaves are bumpy, and this causes water to bead as well as to pick up surface contaminates in the process. The water rolls off, taking the contaminates with it. Researchers have developed ways to chemically treat the surface of plastics and metal to evoke the same effect. Applications are nearly endless, and not just making windshield wipers and car wax jobs obsolete. Lots of researchers are working on it, and General Electric’s Global Research Center is busy developing coatings for commercial application right now.
