All articles tagged with #biomimicry
Israeli researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that particles rotating in opposite directions within a fluid spontaneously form active, chain-like structures resembling polymers, which can move and reorganize on their own, providing insights into natural phenomena and potential applications in smart materials and microscopic robotics.
The article explores how studying animals and plants inspires innovative engineering solutions, from Velcro and water-walking robots to noise-reducing train shapes and shock-absorbing materials, highlighting the potential and challenges of bioinspired technology.
Researchers from King's College London have developed a keratin-based toothpaste derived from human hair that can naturally rebuild and protect tooth enamel, offering a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional dental treatments, with potential availability within two to three years.
A recent study suggests that the zigzag decorations in spider webs, called stabilimenta, may serve as an alarm system by altering vibration transmission, helping spiders detect prey more effectively. The research highlights how the shape and position of these silk structures influence vibration propagation, offering insights into bio-inspired material design.
Scientists have uncovered how reptiles, especially snakes, excrete nitrogen through tiny uric acid crystals, revealing complex biological processes that could have broader implications for understanding uric acid's role in health and evolution.
Scientists have discovered that the precise, selective cutting mechanism of sawfly ovipositors could inspire new surgical tools that automatically avoid critical tissues, potentially revolutionizing complex surgeries by reducing errors and improving safety.
Researchers at USF have discovered that salamanders and chameleons use a similar ballistic tongue mechanism, which could inspire new engineering technologies for medical, disaster response, and space applications.
Scientists at King's College London have developed a keratin-based treatment derived from hair that can form a protective enamel-like coating on teeth, potentially offering a sustainable and effective alternative to fluoride toothpaste for repairing and protecting enamel, with clinical applications expected within a few years.
Researchers have studied chitons' highly durable, magnetite-based teeth to inspire the development of advanced, environmentally friendly materials for industrial and medical applications, revealing insights into nanoscale mineral formation and biological processes that could revolutionize manufacturing and material science.
Scientists have discovered that blue sharks use nanostructures in their skin, specifically guanine crystals and melanin vesicles, to produce their vivid blue color and potentially shift it based on environmental factors like water pressure, which could aid in camouflage and inspire bio-inspired engineering solutions.
Research on bees' flight and cognitive behaviors reveals insights that could revolutionize AI and robotics, leading to more efficient, adaptable systems and innovative agricultural solutions through bio-inspired robotic pollinators.
The golden flying snake (Chrysopelea ornata), native to South and Southeast Asia, has evolved the ability to leap from trees and glide over 300 feet using body flattening and undulation, allowing it to access prey and escape predators in dense forests. Its unique adaptation involves muscular control and aerodynamic body shaping, making it one of the most visually striking and remarkable gliding snakes, with evolutionary roots dating back around 20 million years.
Researchers have developed the RAVEN drone, inspired by birds, which can walk, hop, and jump to aid in take-off, enhancing energy efficiency and maneuverability. The drone's legs provide over 90% of the required take-off speed, allowing it to jump to a height of 0.4 meters, eliminating the need for a runway. This innovation could significantly benefit smaller drones, although larger ones may still require traditional take-off methods.
Swiss researchers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne have developed a fixed-wing drone called RAVEN, equipped with bird-like robotic legs for efficient takeoffs and landings. These legs allow the drone to walk, hop over obstacles, and perform a jumping takeoff, making it more versatile than traditional drones. Despite the added weight, the jumping takeoff proved to be the most energy-efficient method. The RAVEN is being prepared for applications in search and rescue missions and parcel delivery in challenging terrains.
Researchers at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and the University of California have developed a bird-like robot named RAVEN that can launch itself into flight using spring-like legs, inspired by the way crows use their legs to jump into the air. This design allows the robot to achieve multimodal locomotion, combining walking, hopping, and flying, and could offer a new approach for unmanned aerial vehicles. The innovation is detailed in a paper published in Nature.