Inventions

Velcro
- 1948, when one of the first discoveries was made.
- George de Mestral, a Swiss engineer, was simply cleaning the burrs that had clung on to his dog's fur when he noticed exactly how the burrs clung to the fur--tiny hooks. This eventually lead to the invention of Velcro (3).

The Lotus Effect

- "naturally self-cleaning, water-repellent surface."

- Discovered by "botanist Wilhelm Barthlott of the University of Bonn in Germany

- The nanoscopic surface of the lotus' leaf has the ability to repel water; thus, allowing the water droplets to roll around and collect the dirt on the leaf.

- Products, such as paints, have been modified to have a similar effect so that stains and dirt can be more thoroughly avoided (4).

Mercedes-Benz Boxed Car
- Mercedez-Benz inspired by the boxfish's "squared-off contours
- Has a low drag design which helps the fish to swim up to six body lengths per second that is stabilized by the keel-like edges" on its outer casing.
- 70 miles per gallon (4).

Turbine Blades
- Invented by Frank E. Fish, a biomechanist.
- Turbine blades were inspired by the flippers of the Humpback Whale.
- The mimicry of the flippers was done in order to "increase annual electrical production by 20% while greatly reducing noise"
- The bumps allow the blades to "work with any fluid whether air, water, steam, or oil. (6).

Shinkanse Bullet Train

- "Modeling the front-end of the train after the beak of kingfishers, which dive from the air into bodies of water with very little splash to catch fish, resulted not only in a quieter train, but 15% less electricity use even while the train travels 10% faster."
- Travels at 200mi/hr (5).

Building Structure
- A building designed by Mick Pearce, an architect, mimics the structure of termite nests.
- The termites use "a series of heating and cooling vents" to keep their gigantic mounds a certain temperature. These vents are constantly opened and closed throughout the day.
- The Eastgate Centre, located in Harare, Zimbabwe, uses no air-conditioning or heating; however, the building's temperature "stays regulated year round with dramatically less energy consumption" by venting air all throughout the building before exiting through chimneys (7).

Velcro: A Simple Solution

Quicker

Easier

More Appealing

Very beneficial to health, travel, and new discoveries.

Opens doors to many new opportunities to learn more about the used-to-be in-discoverable.

Mother nature does have her own secrets that can keep her world running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The uniqueness of nature fascinates those who seek and strive for the efficiency to their own society- us humans. By learning and exploring nature, humans can make inventions that can benefit humans.

For example, the invention of velcro can most likely benefit children or those who are lazy. Velcro is commonly found on strap-on shoes. With the way society is running, teenagers and adults are so busy with their daily schedules. They wouldn't like to spend time on tying their shoes when they have to hurry for school or work. With their strap on shoes, made with velcro, they can slip in and out of their shoes with ease.

Other than teenagers and adults benefiting, children can also pertain to those benefits. Because they're young in age, and they're still learning the basics of life, they can get used to the easy strap on shoes. They can get in and out of them in a split second while they are being safe. With strings, children can trip and fall if they are loose. Unlike dangerous strings, the invention of velcro can help children be safer as they run around and play.
Overall, the invention of velcro is benefiting to the society by helping parents, children, teenagers, and adults who are trying to live a safe and easy life.

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