Maize: the gift of the gods

Nature and technologySkins, cuticles and other membranes area special characteristic of life: without them,living organisms simply wouldn’t be able tosurvive. They not only act as a barrier to,and protection from, the influences of theoutside environment; they also regulate theexchange of substances into and out of theorganism. But the ideal “packaging” shouldopen only at the right time, and at the rightlocation.The infructescence (fruiting head) of thebog arum (Calla palustris) is an exampleof a flawless natural opening mechanism.This perennial plant grows in boggy areasand pools in Northern and Central Europe,reaching a height of up to 30 cm. Theinfructescence comprises many individualfruits. As soon as all of them are ripeenough, this aggregate fruit bursts openat special breaking points.A glass ampoule is the ideal packagingfor medical solutions intended for injection:small, light, convenient and sturdy. It mustbe able to open without shattering, and thisis made possible by incorporating a breakingpoint, at which the glass wall is thinner – sothat the neck of the ampoule can be snappedopen easily and safely. ■www.bayercropscience.com