The field of biomimicry focuses on understanding and mimicking nature’s innovative designs and engineering principles to develop sustainable solutions for human design and innovation. Researchers are studying how nature creates durable materials, such as corals, and how geckos stick to surfaces, to improve human technologies like concrete and medical adhesives. The episode explores how coral inspired a new form of concrete, how gecko feet could lead to new medical adhesives, and how leaves are influencing new ways of harnessing solar energy. The episode also features an interview with science writer Janine Benyus, who coined the term biomimicry and has written extensively on the topic. Additionally, the episode discusses how a North Carolina company called Biomason is developing a new way of making cement that could store carbon, inspired by the way corals form, and how scientists are studying cephalopods, like squid, to harness their ability to quickly manipulate and edit their genetic material to create new medical treatments.
Discovering Nature’s Blueprint: Lessons in Engineering and Design from the Natural World
