Biomimicry – Using Nature to Heal Nature

Hello, everyone! This is Romal. Today, I am writing about a process that I recently learned about called “biomimicry.” I heard about biomimicry from a National Geographic article that I was recently reading called “Pictures: Nature Yields New Ideas for Energy and Efficiency.” The entire article can be found at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/04/pictures/120419-biomimicry-for-energy/.

Biomimicry is essentially an entire science that is dedicated towards using the mechanism behind nature’s own models (such as waves, leaves, and schools of fish) to solve humankind’s various problems. In particular, biomimicry has been offered as a solution to some of our most complex environmental problems. The article states the basic reasoning behind looking towards nature as a solution to environmental issues. “The idea is that over 3.8 billion years of evolution, nature itself has solved many of the problems that humanity finds itself grappling with today.”

Therefore, taking inspiration from nature itself, scientists have been able to apply biomimicry to harness renewable energy in more sustainable ways. For example, researchers are looking for ways to mimic the photosynthetic abilities and energy storage capacity of leaves, allowing us to create more effective solar cells. Another example stated in the article discusses how the bumps on whales’ fins were used as inspiration to create more effective blades. Although bumps are normally found on the trailing edge of a fin, in humpback whales, the blades are found on the leading side of the fin. This baffled scientists until a study by some Harvard researchers discovered that this gives whales more control and allows them to efficiently move through the water. This basic idea has led to the creation of more effective fans and turbines. If you would like to read more about how the humpback whales inspired more efficient wind turbines, you can read more about this at: https://www.technologyreview.com/2008/03/06/221447/whale-inspired-wind-turbines/.

Let me know your thoughts on this intriguing idea of biomimicry and its application as a solution to environmental problems. Join the discussion!