7 amazing examples of biomimicry
| Photo 2 of 9 | 
|
Sharkskin = Swimsuit
Sharkskin-inspired swimsuits received a lot of media attention during the 2008 Summer Olympics when the spotlight was shining on Michael Phelps.
Seen under an electron microscope, sharkskin is made up of countless overlapping scales called dermal denticles (or "little skin teeth"). The denticles have grooves running down their length in alignment with water flow. These grooves disrupt the formation of eddies, or turbulent swirls of slower water, making the water pass by faster. The rough shape also discourages parasitic growth such as algae and barnacles.
Scientists have been able to replicate dermal denticles in swimsuits (which are now banned in major competition) and the bottom of boats. When cargo ships can squeeze out even a single percent in efficiency, they burn less bunker oil and don't require cleaning chemicals for their hulls. Scientists are applying the technique to create surfaces in hospitals that resist bacteria growth — the bacteria can't catch hold on the rough surface.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Comments
very nice n creative ideas....
I was wondering how many gardeners are reading this? I know it made it into the industries leading magazine in Gardeing supply stores, called the "INSIDER", I'M sorry but we kill as humans more sharks in a day than has ever hurt humans in history, they are wonderful creatures, and surely a shark does not have to die for swimmers to go half a stroke faster, Let's stop robbing nature of her gifts to certain speciaes, not our studies but killing in the NAME OF GREED.. I hope everyone knows w/out.... More
They don't use real sharkskin. The swimsuit's material is just modeled after real sharkskin. No sharks are harmed in the making of the swimsuits.
i want 1
this is a verryy cool website... My class has to do a project on a topic of biomimicry and me and my partner chose to do the shark skim swim suit... thanks for the help!
Add your comment
Sign in with one of these accounts or just add your comment below.
create an account