Biomimicry

Gecko Tape is a fairly recent invention that uses nanoscopic hairs like those found on the feet of gecko's. The millions of nanoscopic hairs are flexible and produce "Van Der Waals" force upon surfaces creating an adhesive effect. The most useful applications will be underwater and zero gravity use.

Another current example of Biomimicry is Self-Healing Plastics. Much like the way a body can produce scabs and scars to re-heal itself, they are working on plastics that can do the same thing. They use hollow fibers filled with epoxy resin so that if damaged, they would release the epoxy resin which would heal and dry into a material nearly just as strong as the original. They are working on developing these materials further to be used for automobiles, airplanes and even spacecraft.

One more amazing biomimicry advancement is the Bionic Car. The company DaimlerChrystler has created a new car concept for Mercedes-Benz. This car is shaped after a strange tropical fish. They have achieved aerodynamics that cause 20% less fuel consumption and up to 80% less nitrogen oxide emissions. This car runs on biodiesel and would get about 70 miles to the gallon. They are still working on this car and hope it to be released sometime in the near future.