Wide Angle: Bio-Inspired Technology
Nature has it all figured out. The less-than-aerodynamic bumblebee manages to fly. Termite mounds stay cool in desert heat. Gecko lizards can walk up any surface, even glass. Lotus leaves stay immaculately clean in any weather. So it's no surprise that researchers look to nature to design materials or structures that give us peak performance. In this wide angle we take a look at technologies inspired by nature.
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Hornet Has Natural Solar Cells in its Body
The intricate patterns inside a hornet's shell coupled with a light-harvesting pigment give this insect solar power.
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Fly Eyes Used for Solar Cells
A special mold constructed from fly eyes coated in nickel could improve solar cell efficiency.
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Should Airplanes Look More Like Birds?
Imitating avian anatomy could amplify airplane aerodynamics.
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Big Pic: Testing Flapping Wings Underwater
A special experiment tests hummingbird wing flapping underwater.
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Biotech Could Take Rabbits Off Lab Duty
When Ken Aldrich describes the cornea forming in a petri dish at his company's lab, it sounds crazy. But these little ball of cells might actually spare animals from lab testing and be used for transplants in humans.
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Robotic Fish Helps Monitor Water [VIDEO]
Refinments in robotic fish technology could lead to life-like devices used for reconnoissance missions or for monitoring waters.
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Shrimp Eye Tech: Coming Soon to DVD?
Humans see in three colors; mantis shrimp see twelve. Find out scientists are using this knowledge to change your movie viewing experiences.
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Putting the Human Heart into Car Design
Electronic engine control takes cues from how the body regulates blood pressure.
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Robotic Snail May Save Lives [VIDEO]
This robotic snail could one day be used in search and rescue operations.
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Bounce-Less Bungee Cord Promises Gentler Jump
A synthetic material modeled after the egg cases of snails could have a range of applications.
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Maple Seed Microflyer Takes Flight
That innocent looking maple seed gently floating down to Earth could be a new camera-equipped monocopter.
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Robofish Takes To Water
A school of small, robotic fish could help monitor oil spills and other environmental hazards.
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