Biomimicry: how nature serve as a guide for technological advancements

Sharks are just one example among many living organisms that serve as inspirations for technological inventions that benefit human society (Credit, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

Human civilization has long used nature to inspire technological innovation. This process is called biomimicry, creating sustainable solutions to human challenges by adopting patterns and strategies found in nature.

Sydney Blankers

During the most recent edition of the Ecologist Goes to Washington podcast, 2015 Graduate Student Policy Award winner Sydney Blankers discusses her research into urban and environmental planning. She also touches on the benefits of biomimicry, using an example of mimicking the patterns of shark skin patterns that deflect parasites and bacteria. Blankers noted that emulating this pattern has helped hospitals design fabric that deters the spread of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Staphylococcus A.

There are numerous examples where mimicking patterns found in the natural world has led to technological innovations:

• Sharkskin alone has inspired multiple innovations, including improved Olympic swimsuits.

• Studying how termite dens maintain their temperatures amid extremely cold or warm outside weather has helped a Zimbabwe architect construct a building that uses less than 10 percent of the energy of a conventional building of its size.

• Velcro, created in 1941, was modeled after burs, prickly seeds known to get attached to animals and clothing upon contact.

• Scientists have discovered that the V-formation many bird species fly in actually saves energy for the birds at the back of the line.. Scientists believe aircraft traveling from coast-to-coast could one day mimic the V-pattern and save as much as 15 percent less fuel than flying solo.

• Similar to the shark skin, mimicking the bumps of the lotus flower has led to the development of a type of house paint that is more resistant to water and dirt.

The fact that so many technological breakthroughs take inspiration from the natural world highlights the importance of ecological research. It also reaffirms the notion that taking steps to conserve the environment and the plant and animal species that inhabit it can have both observable and unforeseen benefits for human communities.