< Previous | Contents | Next >
♤ It is new branch of science and technology has emerged in recent years.
♤ It learns from the properties and behaviour of plants and animals, particularly their modes of defence and offence, and attempts to produce new technological products, inspired by these properties.
♤ For example about 10 years ago that scientists understood how the household lizard can run effortlessly on the ceiling, defying gravity and without dropping off to the floor. Based on an understanding of this phenomenon, scientists have been able to make tape-based adhesives. Likewise the flowers of the plant cocklebur inspired the Swiss engineer George de Mestral to invent Velcro. Latest in the series is the development of mechanically interlocking tissue adhesives or needles, trocars and surgical staples, inspired by porcupine.