Tag

Biomimetics

All articles tagged with #biomimetics

"Bird-Inspired Drones Take Flight: Engineering Innovation in Action"
technology2 years ago

"Bird-Inspired Drones Take Flight: Engineering Innovation in Action"

What started as a satirical conspiracy theory about bird drones is now becoming a reality as engineers are trying to reverse engineer bird flight to create more efficient bird-like drones. By studying the efficiency and flexibility of birds' flight, researchers hope to improve drone technology. Some engineers have even outfitted taxidermied birds with drone components to better understand bird flight. Lessons from birds include wing structure, coloration, and flexibility, all of which could lead to more efficient and resilient drones. While the idea of bird drones raises concerns about surveillance, researchers are primarily focused on wildlife monitoring and creating vehicles that can do good things.

"Breakthrough: International Team Unveils Revolutionary DNA Nano Engine"
science-and-technology2 years ago

"Breakthrough: International Team Unveils Revolutionary DNA Nano Engine"

An international team of scientists has developed a novel DNA nano engine that can perform pulsing movements. The engine, made of DNA and driven by a clever mechanism, has the potential to be used as a drive in complex nano machines. The researchers repurposed a mechanism found in cells to power the engine, using RNA polymerases to drive the pulsing movements. The motor requires energy in the form of nucleotide triphosphates and can be combined with other structures. The team plans to further develop the motor and explore its potential applications in nanotechnology.

"Spider DNA infusion revolutionizes silk production for superior strength and sustainability"
science-and-technology2 years ago

"Spider DNA infusion revolutionizes silk production for superior strength and sustainability"

Scientists have successfully used CRISPR gene-editing technology to insert spider genes into silkworms, resulting in silk that is stronger and tougher than Kevlar. Previous attempts to genetically engineer silkworms to produce spider-quality silk had failed, but this breakthrough involved a concept called "localization" that targeted specific locations in the genome. The resulting fibers exhibited impressive tensile strength and toughness, surpassing Kevlar's toughness six-fold. This achievement opens up possibilities for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly high-strength materials, potentially transforming the textiles industry.