08 May 2006
Copying nature could save us energy, study shows

It certainly could lead to some serious breakthroughs, and not just in terms of energy savings, either. But the downside that looms here will be the unending temptation to do Nature one better, and re-engineer the solution as found. Which will no doubt involve some genetic manipulation, with all it's attendant problems.

But as long as we walk softly and pay attention, we could certainly mine some incredible cleverness from the natural world.

New technologies that mimic the way insects, plants and animals overcome engineering problems could help reduce our dependence on energy, according to new research published in the Royal Society journal Interface.

(link) [EurekAlert!]

23:00 /Technology | 0 comments | permanent link