Tapping-into-Nature-2015p

ProductHydRIS ® DryVaccinesSampleMatrix ®Arctic Fish-InspiredIce CreamFLUID DYNAMICSCactus-InspiredHigh RisesSnake-InspiredFlight“V” Formation FlightJellyfish JetPropulsionRoboClamExcavatorSchooling Fish WindFarmsSpeedo FastskinTubercleTechnology500-SeriesShinkansen TrainDescription“Dry” vaccines, created by Nova Labs in the U.K., do not require refrigeration. The activematerials are encased in a sugar matrix, a technique inspired by organisms that undergoanhydrobiosis, or extreme desiccation.The California-based company Biomatrica developed processes akin to anhydrobiosis, orextreme desiccation, to stabilize fragile biological materials like DNA so they can be storedwithout refrigeration.Unilever developed a creamier, low-fat ice cream by adding an ice-structuring proteinadopted from an arctic fish. The protein prevents large ice crystals from forming.Inspired by the saguaro cactus, Dr. Letchford at RPI is studying the aerodynamics ofvertically-grooved, slender cylinders to define optimal geometries for reduced wind loadingon tall buildings.The tree snake Chrysopelea glides from tree to tree by flattening its body and swaying inthe air. DARPA funded research on Chrysopelea for possible military applications.When moving through fluids, objects in a “V” formation expend less energy than soloobjects.According to a research team at Caltech, jellyfish-inspired pulsed jet propulsion could be50% more efficient that existing steady-jet propulsion.A team at MIT constructed a prototype robotic excavator inspired by the low-drag burrowingof Atlantic razor clams. The excavator could be used for reversible ocean anchoring, subseacable installation, and ocean sensor placement.Engineers at Caltech developed algorithms inspired by schooling fish that decrease theamount of space required for vertical axis wind farms without compromising individualturbine efficiency.Speedo developed a sharkskin-inspired textile for its swimsuits that reduces drag by up to8%. Fastskin was worn by Michael Phelps in the 2008 Summer Olympics.Inspired by the tubercles found on whale fins, WhalePower developed blades with bumpsalong the leading edges that allow for very high stall angles. Envira-North Systems in Ontarioapplied the technology to their high volume, low speed Altra-Air fan.The Japanese bullet train has a pointed nose inspired by the kingfisher’s beak that reducesnoise and power consumption while increasing speed.Lily ImpellerThe form of the Lily Impeller, a highly efficient industrial mixer designed by PAX Scientific,was inspired by the aerodynamic shape of bird wings, rotating maple seeds, and othernatural structures.DATA & COMPUTINGBat-Nav SystemResearchers at the Weizmann Institute in Israel found that bats track their positions in threedimensions using a donut-shaped coordinate system, which could inspire a new navigationsystem.44Tapping into Nature