Plants
Animals
100
The hook-and-loop fastener known as Velcro was invented by Swiss engineer George de Mestral in 1948 by this organism's ability to stick on to fur.
What are burrs?
100
The design of wind turbines has been improved by studying the way this animal flies silently through the air.
By applying the same principles of noise reduction to wind turbine blades, engineers hope to make them quieter and more efficient.
What is an owl?
200
Researches and scientists hope to develop new materials for solar panels that can capture more energy from the sun from this natural process.
What natural process inspired this design approach?
What is photosynthesis?
200
Researchers have developed drones that mimic the behavior of this insect in order to improve their efficiency and reduce their energy consumption.
By studying the way this insect navigates and communicate with each other, scientists hope to create drones that can work together in a swarm to perform tasks more efficiently.
What is a bee?
300
Researchers are developing materials that can repair themselves when damaged, inspired by the way living organisms can heal injuries. For example, some plastics can be designed to melt and reform when exposed to heat, closing any cracks or holes.
What is an example of a self-healing organism?
What is a starfish, a salamander, and fungi?
300
The texture of this marine animal has inspired the design of swimsuits that reduce drag and improve performance, based on its skin's ability to help water flow smoothy through its surface
What is a shark?
400
Some researchers are looking at this organism to create biodegradable plastics that breaks down more easily in the environment to create biodegradable and compostable packaging material.
What is a mushroom?
400
Some animals have vibrant colors that are not created by pigments but by the way light interacts with the microstructure of their feathers or scales.
This has inspired the development of structural coloration in textiles and other materials, which can create color without the use of dyes or pigments
What is a butterfly?
500
This plant has the ability to repel water and dirt from its leaves due to its unique microstructure.
This has inspired the development of coatings for buildings, fabrics, and other surfaces that mimic the plant's effect, reducing the need for cleaning and maintenance.
What is a lotus plant?
500
This animal has the ability to stick to almost any surface due to the microscopic hairs on their feet, which create a weak molecular bond with the surface.
This has led to the development of adhesives that mimic this animal's feet, which can be used in a variety of applications such as robotics and medical devices.
What is a gecko?