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Biomimicry

All articles tagged with #biomimicry

Zombie-fly fungus hurls spores with a soft-water cannon, aiding its spread
science1 month ago

Zombie-fly fungus hurls spores with a soft-water cannon, aiding its spread

Scientists describe how the fungus Entomophthora muscae infects house flies, kills them, and then uses pressure-built stalks to shoot spores into the air like a soft-water cannon. Spores, about 26 µm by 30 µm, are optimized to travel through still air and be carried by currents, with launches reaching roughly 10 m/s. Dead female flies can also trigger spore release via male visitors, and the fungus produces a secondary, smaller spore type to spread the infection further.

via The Times of India|
#biomimicry#entomophthora-muscae#fungus
MIT Unveils Puffin-Inspired Robot That Flies and Dives to Explore Oceans
technology2 months ago

MIT Unveils Puffin-Inspired Robot That Flies and Dives to Explore Oceans

MIT engineers built a lightweight, puffin-inspired robot capable of both flight and underwater swimming. The craft uses a 34.5-inch wingspan, waterproofed components, and a motorized tail; in air it flaps at 5–6 Hz and can sprint above the water, while underwater it uses its wings to swim and stays level without sinking. Weighing about 250 g, it can fly about 6 km on a full charge and swim roughly 2 km underwater. Tested in a lab tank and Lake Geneva, the team envisions using the robot to study coral reefs, track fish, and monitor algae, potentially carrying it to remote sites to collect samples or data.

via newsforkids.net|
#biomimicry#flying-robot#mit
Sailfish-Inspired Speed: How Ocean Design Shaped the McLaren P1
technology3 months ago

Sailfish-Inspired Speed: How Ocean Design Shaped the McLaren P1

McLaren’s hybrid halo car, debuted to mark the F1’s 20th anniversary at the Paris Motor Show, uses nature‑inspired design by Frank Stephenson. Drawing from sailfish hydrodynamics—such as a fish-scale texture on the engine inlets to boost air intake and foil‑shaped bumps that smooth flow—along with mirror‑arm enhancements to cut buffeting and a cheetah‑like organic silhouette, the P1 emphasizes speed and efficiency. Powered by a 727‑hp twin‑turbo V8 paired with hybrid systems for about 903 hp and a high‑9‑second quarter‑mile, it rides in a carbon monocoque with active aero shaped for maximum performance.

via Jalopnik|
#aerodynamics#biomimicry#frank-stephenson
Pillbug robot to shed thousands of tiny wind-powered drones for Martian lava-tube mapping
space-exploration4 months ago

Pillbug robot to shed thousands of tiny wind-powered drones for Martian lava-tube mapping

Scientists are proposing a biomimicry-inspired mission concept in which a pillbug‑like “roly‑poly” robot would crawl into Martian lava tubes and release thousands of micro‑drones (the “dandelion drones”). The drones would be powered by piezoelectric energy and carried into the caves by a parachute, then flown by Mars’ winds to map the tunnel network and collect environmental data. Because sunlight doesn’t reach the caves, the drones would not rely on solar power and would be painted white to travel farther. The plan highlights wind in caves as both a potential aid and a challenge, and includes a high‑powered fan to keep drones aloft if winds are weak. NASA and other groups have explored lava tubes on Mars and in analog sites, and the concept underscores broader interest in using drone swarms to scout difficult terrain (including future targets like Titan’s caves).

via Space|
#biomimicry#dandelion-drones#lava-tubes
Virus-Rupturing Nano-Pillar Film Gives Surfaces a Chemical-Free Defense
technology5 months ago

Virus-Rupturing Nano-Pillar Film Gives Surfaces a Chemical-Free Defense

A flexible acrylic film coated with thousands of ultra-fine nanopillars mimics cicada wing textures to mechanically rupture virus particles on contact, offering a scalable, chemical-free way to reduce surface transmission. Lab tests against human parainfluenza virus type 3 showed up to 94% of viruses damaged within an hour, with the closest pillar spacing (~60 nanometres) proving most effective. Potential applications include phones, public transport, hospital equipment, and office desks, though real-world durability and long-term performance require further study.

via ScienceAlert|
#antiviral-surfaces#biomimicry#materials-science