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Science and Technology


Biomimicry looks to nature for inspiration
gecko tape at the University of Akron is part of trend
by WKSU's JEFF ST. CLAIR


Morning Edition Host
Jeff St. Clair
 
The design of everyday products is often determined by factors like controlling the cost of raw materials or meeting rigid production deadlines. Living things, on the other hand, follow a different set of design rules, and enjoy millions of years of product development. A growing number of scientists and entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio think the region's economy could be improved by learning how nature solves industrial design problems. The new field is called Biomimicry.
Biomimicry in Northeast Ohio - Jeff St.Clair reports

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JANINE BENYUS - on designing industrial ecosystems

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JANINE BENYUS - the changing role of biologists

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JANINE BENYUS - promoting biomimicry in Northeast Ohio

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(Click image for larger view.)

Dr. Ali Dhinojwala tests a sample of gecko tape at the University of Akron
Dr. Ali Dhinojwala -  note small black speck in center of the frame, 5mm square of gecko tape suspending 200 grams.
Part of Dhinojwala's research comparing sticking ability vs toe-hair size in nature, the larger the animal, the finer the filaments.
Close-up of gecko toes, ridges are made up of tiny hairs that allow lizard to cling to surfaces.
Holly Harlan (left), founder and director; Victoria Avi (right), network entrepreneur; Entrepreneurs for Sustainability
Dr. Ali Dhinojwala, University of Akron
A day gecko from Madagascar attempts an escape from the lab at U. of Akron.
Dr. Peter Niewiarowski, interim director of the integrated biosciences program at U. of Akron.

Related Links & Resources
Biomimicry event March, 2010

Ali Dhinojwala's homepage

E 4 S Biomimicry Network

Montana-based Biomimicry Guild

More about Biomimicry

Integrated Biosciences program at University of Akron

Listener Comments:

I am impressed with Professor Dhinojwala's ideas and his work done at The University of Akron. The gecko tape is a creative and innovative example of biomimicry in Northeast Ohio. I envision Spiderman when I review Professor Dhinojwala's work. Handgloves with the gecko tape could be used to climb the glass building of the polymer science department. Brilliant!!!


Posted by: Intrigued (Medina, Ohio) on February 4, 2010 1:27PM
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