Biomimicry

The following resources will help you in your exploration of Biomimicry.

 Print Resources



Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine M. Benyus
Introduces some of the men and women who are working in the field of biomimicry--a science that studies nature's models and then imitates them to solve human problems--and considers the implications of such studies for the future of mankind.

 Cover image for Biomimicry : innovation inspir...
Cover image for Design : intelligence made vis... Design: Intelligence Made Visible by Stephen Bayley
Surveys the history and development of modern design, highlighting influential designers, movements, and practices that have influenced modern design around the world.
Microcosmos by Brandon Broll
Contains hundreds of photographs taken using scanning electron microscopy, covering microorganisms, zoology, botany, minerals, the human body, and technology.
  Cover image for Microcosmos : discovering the ...

 


 Online Databases

World Book Encyclopedia
Offers a combined search feature of encyclopedias, research tools, biography center, magazines, websites and much more.
   
Student Resource Center - Gold
Search multiple formats: journals, magazines, encyclopedias, and more.

 

Science Resource Center  (CT Digital Library> Link to Individual Resources> Science Resource Center)
Articles from magazines, journals, and reference books; biographies and images. Covers life and physical sciences, health, medicine and technology.


 Internet Sites

General

The 15 Coolest Cases of Biomimicry   http://brainz.org/15-coolest-cases-biomimicry/

Nature's 100 Best Innovations   http://www.n100best.org/

Biomimicry Institute   http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/

                                     http://www.asknature.org/

How Biomimicry Works   http://science.howstuffworks.com/evolution/biomimicry2.htm

Design Boom: Biomimicry   http://www.designboom.com/contemporary/biomimicry.html

Lotus Leaf Effect/ Sports Jersey

Lotus Plant-Inspired Dust-Busting Shield to Protect Space Gear   http://www.physorg.com/news172925702.html

Self cleaning Lotus leaf imitated in plastic   http://www.gizmag.com/go/6729/

Turning the lotus effect on its head   http://www.advancedphysics.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1546

Water Repellant Clothing Lines - the Trend of the Future in Fashion   http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2202889/water_repellant_clothing_lines_the.html?cat=30

Spider Silk/ Scoliosis Brace

Spider Silk http://www.xs4all.nl/~ednieuw/Spiders/Info/spindraad.htm

Scientists Make Super-Strong Metallic Spider Silk http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE53M5OG20090423

Gossamer Silk, From Spiders Spun http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/arts/design/23spiders.html

Types of Scoliosis Braces   http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/scoliosis/types-scoliosis-braces

National Scoliosis Foundation   http://www.scoliosis.org/resources/medicalupdates/adolescentbracing.php

Lotus Leaf Effect/ Shampoo & Conditioner

Lotus Plant-Inspired Dust-Busting Shield to Protect Space Gear   http://www.physorg.com/news172925702.html

Self cleaning Lotus leaf imitated in plastic   http://www.gizmag.com/go/6729/

Turning the lotus effect on its head   http://www.advancedphysics.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1546

Natural Solutions- holistic beauty, body & bath   http://www.bewellstaywell.com/hair_care.htm

Biodegradable Plates & Cups

Biodegradable Products Institute   http://www.bpiworld.org/

Simply Biodegradable, LLC   http://simplybiodegradable.com/index.html

Plastics: Your Formidable Enemy - Questioning exposure, recycling, biodegradability, alternatives   http://www.culturechange.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=238&Itemid=62

 

Fish structure- Function/ Boat Design

Fish- Structure & Function   http://www.biology-resources.com/fish-01.html

A Quick Course in Ichthyology (see "How Fish Swim" section)  http://www.marinebiology.org/fish.htm

Boat Design   http://www.boatdesign.net/

Free Boat Design Resources  http://home.clara.net/gmatkin/design.htm

 

Color change Camouflage/ Law Enforcement Vehicles

How Animal Camouflage Works (See "Animal Color Change")   http://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/animal-camouflage2.htm

Chameleons Say It With Color   http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/09/0926_050926_chameleon.html

How Do You Make a Grizzly Disappear?   http://www.hyperstealth.com/BlackwaterUSA/index.html

Fibonacci Spiral/ Shower Head Design

Fibonacci Numbers in Nature & the Golden Ratio   http://www.world-mysteries.com/sci_17.htm

Moen Showerheads and Handhelds   http://www.moen.com/ecatalog/gallery/bathroom-shower-spa-showerheads-handshowers/_/N-681Z1z141xu;jsessionid=c430c66762381e7b48b75f5416b47264b666

 

Cat Vision/ contact lenses

Feline Vision: A Cat’s Eye View   http://www.cathealth.com/CatEyes.htm

Contact Lenses: Frequently Asked Questions (Note links at bottom of page) http://www.allaboutvision.com/faq/contactlens.htm

Explaining What We Do: A Gentle Introduction to Optical Design  http://www.opticalres.com/gentle_introduction.html

See "Ultra Cane" Idea  http://www.buzzle.com/articles/biomimicry-the-science-of-copying-natural-designs.html

Bats/Hearing device

The Secret Life of Bats- Bat Senses: Echolocation and Hearing   http://www.fathom.com/course/21701775/session3.html

Neuroscience for Kids: The Ear   http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/bigear.html

National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders: Hearing Aids   http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/hearingaid.asp

 

Bioluminescence/ Light Bulb

The Bioluminescence Web Page http://www.lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/

How Bioluminescence Works http://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/bioluminescence.htm

Energy Efficient Lighting http://saveenergy.about.com/od/efficientlighting/Energy_Efficient_Lighting.htm

How does a light bulb work? http://www.pa.msu.edu/sciencet/ask_st/061792.html

 

Bioinspiration/ Robot with Collapsible Skeleton

Do rats have a collapsible skeleton?  http://www.ratbehavior.org/CollapsibleSkeleton.htm

Rodent Myths http://www.stpete.org/sanitation/free_rodent_control/rodent_myths.asp

Society of Robots  http://www.societyofrobots.com/

Introduction to robotics technology http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/library/l-rob.html

 

If you do not find what you're looking for in the above resources, try the search tips listed below.
 

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Remember:  YOU MUST CITE EVERY RESOURCE YOU USED to gather information on your 
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