If you thought humans were the original innovators, you’d be wrong. While we might have come up with WiFi and smartphones, many of our inventions were inspired by nature. For millions of years, ecosystems, plants, and animals have been calibrating the designs that we call our own. We have mosquitos to thank for the hypodermic needle. Plus, nature was the original inventor of waterproof coatings. There are so many systems and gadgets that we have to credit to Mother Nature’s genius.
1. Air conditioning
Termite mounds are like natural AC – the air beneath the surface remains constantly comfortable regardless of the temperature outside. Due to the unique construction of termite mounds, which contain channels and vents, air can be circulated, and optimal humidity can be maintained. As humans, we’ve created energy-efficient spaces that have this same kind of natural climate control, allowing for a system that’s as smart as it is sustainable.
2. Internet
You wouldn’t think that the web and mushrooms have a lot in common, but you’d be wrong. Fungi are the original internet with a complex underground network known as mycorrhizal networks. Through this web, fungi and plants communicate with each other, sharing nutrients, communicating chemical signals, and sending out warnings. Trees essentially text each other using mushrooms – no reboots required!
3. Hypodermic needles
Mosquitos influenced these efficient little needles. As annoying as they may be, mosquitos pierce with a needle-like appendage known as the proboscis. They penetrate our skin without pain using a flexible structure, serrated edges, and a hardwired anesthetic that inserts itself under our skin while siphoning blood.
4. Waterproof coating
The lotus flower is a magical little plant – it’s also naturally water-repellant. Water slides off the leaves thanks to a waxy coating on the surface. This creates a hydrophobic barrier and a texture that lets water droplets bead and simply roll off the leaves, removing dirt in the process. They actually call this the “lotus effect,” and it’s inspired things like raincoats and stain-resistant fabric.
5. Traffic flow systems
Ants have been managing traffic for a long time, thanks to ant colonies. Ants send out chemical signals known as pheromones. Ants release these pheromones to communicate with each other and map out paths while avoiding congestion. It also lets them keep a consistent and steady food supply chain going. Engineers have used the same system to optimize traffic flow systems – without the pheromones, that is.
6. Velcro
Nature’s velcro is known as burdock burrs. You’ve probably experienced them sticking to your clothing or your dog whenever you take a stroll in the woods. In the 1940s, engineer George de Mestral went hunting with his dog. They both got burrs on them, and he was fascinated – under a microscope, he saw that a miniature hook-like structure was responsible for the sticking power. As a result, he made Velcro, a blend of crochet and velvet.
7. Adhesive technology
Today, we use adhesives in everything from medical devices to robotics. Climbing robots can even climb walls! We have these innovations because of geckos, the OGs of adhesive tech. Setae, or microscopic hairs, are on their feet and make for a surface with a high amount of friction. On the setae brach lies spatulae, which creates even more friction – no glue required.
8. Antimicrobial surfaces
Sharkskin has the powerful ability to protect itself against bacteria and germs. A coating of microscopic ridges allows sharks to self-clean and stop bacteria from attaching to them. Researchers have studied sharkskin to create the antimicrobial surfaces that are used today in medical tools and hospitals, which improves hygiene and reduces the likelihood of infections spreading.
9. Efficient lighting
LED technology and energy-efficient lighting didn’t appear out of thin air – it was inspired by fireflies, which have bioluminescence without any heat waste. A chemical reaction between luciferase and luciferin makes for a fine-tuned process that emits practically zero energy as heat. This has led to developments in eco-friendly lighting options.
10. Magnetoreception
Where did GPS come from? Turtles and other animals. They navigate using the planet’s magnetic fields, which allows them to migrate long distances with startling accuracy. This lets them find their way back to their nests. It’s been predicted that this is because of chemical reactions that the magnetic field triggers or small magnetic particles that create a tiny internal compass in every animal. Humans, however, need Google Maps since we don’t have this.
