What in the whale is biomimicry?

In the midst of talks about Earth-friendly technology and green initiatives for the planet's future, one term the scientific community has been buzzing about recently is "biomimicry." It sure sounds important, but what is it, exactly?

Well, what comes to mind when we think of mimicry in nature? How about the phasmid, better known by its nickname, the walking stick? Think also about the amazing leaf insect, whose foliage-inspired camouflage is so accurate, it has parts on its body that mimic bite marks--they even move just like real leaves, swaying in the breeze. Both of these critters got their disguises and behaviors from the environments they live in--basically, through evolution, they borrowed an idea from nature and made it work for them.

Biomimicry is basically the same thing, but for humans. It is, as Janine M. Beynus describes, "about looking to nature for inspiration for new inventions." As a science, it's grounded in neither nature nor technology exclusively; rather, it takes the two seemingly-opposing fields and aims to blend them together for mutual benefit.

There's already been plenty of well-documented examples of biomimicry in action in the scientific world, and the results are impressive, to say the least. For instance, take a look at this special adhesive inspired by the sticky pads on a gecko's feet, perfect for medical bandages, or a concept for self-cleaning surfaces based on the leaves of the sacred lotus, or (one of our favorites) this concept for boat rudders based on humpback whale flippers. More info on specific projects and ideas can be found at www.asknature.org--chances are, if there's a problem that needs solving, nature has the perfect answer!

Of course, Whale Tails Tortilla Chips are a great example of biomimicry in action, too! The whale's tail is perfectly made for powerful strokes through the deep blue sea; likewise, our chips swim through salsa like no other! As always, contact us for more info on the marvels of nature and their role in eco-friendly initiatives.

Biomimicry; Helping Humans Solve Problems by Studying Nature

A new kind of science is emerging as a method by which we can learn from Earth’s natural processes. Sustainability is a focus of Biomimicry as it seeks to understand how nature solves her own problems.

In 1997, author and scientist Janine Benyus defined Biomimicry as a science that “studies nature’s models and then imitates or takes inspirations from these designs and processes to solve human problems”.

The San Diego Zoo has been practicing Biomimicry since 2007, and it commissioned this study in 2010, called “Global Biomimicry Efforts: An Economic Game Changer.”

The study notes that, “Two very different approaches are followed in the use of biomimicry. In some cases, scientists see an interesting concept in nature and then find a commercial application. In other instances, firms are seeking a solution to a specific problem and find an answer in the natural world.”

San Diego seems ideally situated to begin the next wave of scientific brilliance via Biomimicry. They predict that Biomimicry will help reduce the depletion of natural resources, create jobs and industry. In fact, the study declares “Biomimicry could be a major economic game changer.”

As science searches for answers to our most difficult human problems, Biomimicry shows us that we may find the best answers in nature.

The wildlife that dwells in our oceans are benefiting from this new science already.  Beautiful data gathering robotic fish created by University of Essex professor Dr. Huosheng Hu measure levels of pollution. They swim around among real fish, and the data they collect is used by scientists to help protect the natural inhabitants of that body of water.

Humans are benefiting from Biomimicry as well. Florida-based biotech company, Sharklet Technologies, has invented a shark skin inspired adhesive film for use in the medical field for the prevention of infection in humans. Their specialty is "bacterial inhibition for medical devices", and they are successful innovators in the world of human medicine.

To find out more about why Biomimicry matters to Whale Tale Chips, please contact us.