6 Modern Creations We Borrowed from Nature
It’s fascinating how often human innovation draws inspiration from the natural world. This concept, known as biomimicry, has led to some remarkable creations. Here are 6 modern creations that have borrowed heavily from nature:
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Velcro
This ubiquitous fastener was inspired by the burrs of the burdock plant. A Swiss engineer, George de Mestral, noticed how these burrs clung to his clothes and his dog’s fur. He then replicated the hook-and-loop system, resulting in Velcro.
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The Shinkansen Bullet Train
The sleek, aerodynamic design of Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train was modeled after the kingfisher. The bird’s ability to dive into water with minimal disturbance inspired the train’s nose, which reduces air pressure and noise when entering tunnels.
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Building Ventilation (Termite Mounds)
Architects have studied termite mounds to design energy-efficient building ventilation systems. Termites create intricate systems that regulate temperature and airflow, and these principles have been applied to create buildings that require less artificial cooling.
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Wind Turbine Blades (Humpback Whales)
The bumps on humpback whale fins, called tubercles, have been found to improve hydrodynamic efficiency. Engineers are now incorporating these tubercles into wind turbine blade designs to increase power generation.
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Self-cleaning Surfaces (Lotus Leaf)
The lotus leaf’s ability to repel water and dirt has inspired the development of self-cleaning materials. These materials, often used in paints and textiles, mimic the lotus leaf’s microscopic surface structure.
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Sonar (Bats and Dolphins)
The echolocation abilities of bats and dolphins have been the model for sonar technology. This technology uses sound waves to detect objects underwater and has applications in navigation, mapping, and underwater exploration.
These examples highlight the incredible ingenuity of nature and how it continues to drive human innovation.
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