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Article: Body Shape Influences Stability and Maneuverability
The shape of the boxfish controls water flow around the body to influence stability and maneuverability. https://asknature.org/strategy/body-shape-influences-stability-and-maneuverability/
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Article: Ford looks to geckos to boost the recyclability of its cars
In recent years, the Ford Motor Company has aggressively sought to solve environmental problems related to its products while reducing production costs. Wasted wheat straw often burned by Canadian farmers has been blended into a plastic feature of the Ford Flex to reduce petroleum use. Plastic bottles have been converted into fibers to cover the…
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Video: Biomimicry- How cars rip off nature
Engineers, scientists and architects are constantly using inspiration from nature in their quest for innovation and with good reason. Why not cheat and get a couple billion year head start in your design process. On todays episode of B2B, we’re going to look at how nature inspires the auto industry to build not more eye…
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Video: How butterflies inspired a new type of paint
Cypris Materials has developed a tunable structural color coating that can be applied directly to surfaces as a paint. Their technology can improve building and automobile energy efficiency by reflecting UV, visible, and infrared light, and it expands the available color pallet while eliminating the use of toxic pigments and colorants.
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Article: New study reveals a biological hydraulic system in tuna fins
The unique system of hydraulic control of fins discovered in tuna indicates a new role for the lymphatic system in vertebrates. This natural mechanism may inspire designs for new “smart” control surfaces with changeable shape and stiffness for both air and underwater unmanned vehicles. https://www.naturetoday.com/intl/en/nature-reports/message/?msg=23637
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Article: Leg Uses Hydraulics and Muscle Flex
The legs of spiders move using a combination of the hydraulic pressure of body fluid and muscle flex. Smaller spiders (usually those weighing under 3g) use a hydraulic catapult method to move around and catch prey, whereas larger spiders (those weighing over 3g) rely on a combination of a hydraulic catapult and muscle-based contraction. https://asknature.org/strategy/leg-uses-hydraulics-and-muscle-flex/
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Resource: “Paint” and “Color” in ASK NATURE
Check out the results from a “paint” search on Ask Nature! https://asknature.org/?s=paint&page=0&is_v=1 Check out the results from a “color” search on Ask Nature! https://asknature.org/?s=color&page=0&is_v=1
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Video: Why Do Spiders Curl Up When They Die? (spolier: it’s hydraulics!)
When spiders die, their tiny legs curl up tight against their body, because spiders don’t use muscles to extend their legs. Instead, they have hydraulic legs!
