13 scientific breakthroughs inspired by nature
Biomimicry, the field of science that takes direct R&D cues from nature's own solutions, has provided us with breakthrough materials, inspired developments in robotic locomotion and informed new medical techniques. We've even gotten introspective and looked at our own biological functions in order to create useful technologies. We're bootstrapping our way into the future on the back of nature's hard work, and that's a good thing, so long as we tread cautiously without manufacturing our own obsolescence. Of the myriad advances, we've collected just a few that exhibit how nature's influence is helping us craft our own future.
![<p>Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (a Harvard affiliate) have been studying a new jellyfish-like method of detecting and capturing specific molecules. Using a microchip with a microfluidic surface and a <a href="http://www.pnas.org/content/109/48/19626.full?sid=9a03351f-c428-4df6-a4a3-9a6ec236bf37">3D DNA network of strands</a> (like sticky jellyfish tentacles), the team was able to search for and capture cancer cell proteins in the blood. It proved to be more effective than other methods at collecting these unwanted invaders. </p>
<p>[Image: B.Positive.2014/Flickr]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/WjzTbvJ8d2b6Ndxim3kdRw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/xtSpECIAoRPQUAS__8wvGA--~B/aD0xNjY2O3c9MjUwMDthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/https://www.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/358/923/6/S3589236/slug/l/jellyfish-1.jpg)
![<p>Cuttlefish, as well as squid and octopuses, belong to the class of cephalopods with chromatophores -- neuromuscular organs that enable them to adjust pigment and shape. These unique marine creatures have an innate ability to camouflage themselves by blending into the background through color and textural changes.</p>
<p>The University of Illinois explored <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/19/octopus-like-camouflage/">camouflage techniques</a> (backed by the US Navy) that mimicked the real thing through layers of photosensors, actuators and temperature-sensitive pigment. And at MIT, scientists <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/15/new-cuttlefish-inspired-display-tech-can-change-color-eat-your/">developed a display</a> one micron thick, which contained poly-2 vinyl that could change colors through an electric charge.</p>
<p>[Image: <span class="s1">daimoneklund/Flickr]</span></p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/H3BTJAsqKiY3i4KbmK3TDQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTcyMA--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/bYZY3_6idMxgdlXahpxCng--~B/aD03Njg7dz0xMDI0O2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://www.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/358/931/4/S3589314/slug/l/493770522-0e689953f6-b-1.jpg)
![<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://geckskin.umass.edu/#science">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a> and NASA have been adapting the unique adhesive properties of gecko feet to produce a variety of tools. Geckskin is an adhesive from the university that's able to support heavy loads (700 pounds from an index-card sized piece) on smooth surfaces.</p>
<p>NASA is <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/jpl/gecko-grippers-moving-on-up">working on bots</a> that can stick to the hull of the ISS for repairs or snag passing space junk. Other variations allow robots to climb stone walls using claws and smaller units leverage electro-static properties to stick on surfaces.</p>
<p>[Image: UMassAmherst]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AF06H1zn4hkggbkjkEUJyg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU5Mg--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/tGFAZPaPPRLHiKALeV4HkQ--~B/aD03NDA7dz0xMjAwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://www.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/359/057/4/S3590574/slug/l/geckskin-1200-1.jpg)
