Biomimicry Lectures: Janine Benyus Down Under

The other evening I was fortunate enough to attend a lecture by Biomimicry author, Janine Benyus. (Read her book's first chapter here.) What struck me, apart from Janine’s obvious enthusiasm for her research, was how currently divergent spheres of scientific study might be aligned. A combination of biology and engineering, for example. Even the University of New South Wales, who hosted the lecture, expressed keen interest in using the platform for creative cross-pollination between different Uni Faculties. [Biomimicry: Applying lessons learned from the study of natural methods and systems to the design of technology.] It was was also gratifying to hear Janine refer to many of the examples of biomimicry that TreeHugger has already mentioned. Such as the lotus-like self-cleaning paints, dye-based solar cells, boxfish shaped cars, gecko style adhesives, non-combatant antibacterial agents inspired by seaweed, the spiral shell formed exhaust fan, antibacterial wallaby milk, and spinal disc repair from flea’s knees. And equally heart-warming that many of these had Australian research origins. Previously we’ve alluded to a biomimicry database, so when Janine talked about such a thing, I assumed it to be one and the same. But no, there is another. Learn much more from the ::Biomimicry Institute.

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