Scientists use nature as template
Georgia Institute of Technology scientists are finding they can use nature as a template for design solutions.
The interdisciplinary group of scientists and engineers recently formed the Center for Biologically Inspired Design, with the goal of capitalizing on the rich source of design solutions present in biological processes.
The researchers believe nature can inspire design and engineering solutions that are efficient, practical and sustainable -- and thus have the potential to greatly enhance new technologies, materials and processes.
"Biology can be a powerful guide to understanding problems in design and engineering," said Marc Weissburg, CBID co-director. "In comparative physiology, we teach that every animal has to solve a particular problem to survive, so every animal is a design solution for a particular problem."
Copyright 2005 by United Press International
