Good Lifestyle

The marvelous natural world has undergone amazing evolutions. Many types of objects have abilities that humans can learn and apply to solve real-life problems perfectly.

1. From the kingfisher's beak to the Shinkansen bullet train (Japan)

When first launched, the Shinkansen 500 bullet train, when running at high speed out of the tunnel, created a huge wave of air pressure, causing a loud explosion, being very noisy, uncomfortable and creating a feeling of insecurity for the surrounding community. Therefore, engineers are tasked with fixing this problem without changing the speed and efficiency of the train. Unexpectedly, the solution came from... the kingfisher's beak.

According to the observations of chief engineer Eiji Nakatsu, the kingfisher can dive from the air into the water without splashing even though the water environment is much denser than air. The secret of this bird lies in its long and slender beak, which allows it to cut through planes of different densities with minimal interference. Therefore, engineers redesigned the ship's bow based on the simulation of a kingfisher's beak to solve the technical problem of noise when the ship exits the tunnel. This design change is said to have increased performance and speed while still meeting noise standards requirements.

2. Application "lizard feet"

According to scientists, it is a miracle that lizards can cling tightly to any surface, whether hanging from the ceiling or on slippery leaves. After years of research, they discovered that thanks to the microscopic structures on their feet, this small animal can support its entire body on any surface. Accordingly, each lizard's toe is covered with millions of tiny hairs, each of which branches into hundreds of even smaller hairs. What's more miraculous is that lizards can easily separate grip forces by changing the angle of their feet, allowing them to move extremely flexibly and quickly.

Using the microstructure from lizard feet, scientists have created experimental "gecko tape" that can withstand significant gravity without leaving residue. The “gecko foot” principle is also applied to develop climbing robots that can inspect devices in difficult positions or medical devices that need to be temporarily attached without leaving residue. Recently, researchers have also developed surgical tape that can replace sutures thanks to this principle.

3. Shark's unique skin structure: Natural barrier prevents bacteria

Inspired by the unique skin structure of sharks, engineer Anthony Brennan developed a patterned surface called Sharklet, which reduces bacterial penetration and prevents adhesion on smooth surfaces by up to 85%. This patterned surface is used on handles, medical instruments and touchpads in hospitals as a natural way to fight bacteria.

According to research, shark skin is covered with millions of small, V-shaped scales that look like teeth, creating a rough surface that prevents bacteria, microorganisms and algae from sticking to it. Therefore, like a natural shield, this skin breaks the thin layer of water in which bacteria and microorganisms reside, making them easily washed away by water.

4. From whale fins to wind energy production

Did you know that to produce turbines that generate energy from wind, even at very low wind speeds, scientists have simulated the operating principles of whale flippers, fins and tails? According to observations, although humpback whales are giant in size, they have the ability to swim extremely quickly and flexibly. They can even make sharp turns or powerful lunges to hunt prey easily.

To explain this, scientists have spent many years researching and discovered that it is the humps, also known as rough edges, located along the front edge of whale fins that help them control their bodies even at acceleration angles that can cause loss of balance. After this discovery, the "lumpy edge effect" of whale fins, flippers and curved tails was applied to wind turbines, helping these turbines operate more smoothly, reducing pressure on the structure, and avoiding "stalling" when wind pressure decreases.

5. "Air conditioner" of termite nests

The birth of many energy-saving buildings has marked the transformation of inspiration from the magical structure of termite nests into life. According to observations, amid the heat of over 38°C in the arid savannas of Africa, the internal temperature of termite mounds remains very stable, ensuring the proliferation and development of the entire termite colony. They have a natural “air conditioner” thanks to a network of tunnels, vents and chimneys that help with ventilation. Therefore, hot air will be released through the central chimneys while cooler air will be drawn in through tunnels near the base of the tower that have been cooled by the surrounding soil.

Learning from termite nest structures, architects have designed many smart buildings to save energy. For example, the Eastgate center in Harare, Zimbabwe has simulated a termite nest structure to reduce dependence on air conditioning, saving energy while still ensuring a stable, comfortable temperature for residents.

6. Apply natural cleaning methods of lotus leaves

Lotus leaves have the ability to self-clean thanks to a hydrophobic micro- and nano-structure covered with a layer of wax. Therefore, when water falls on the lotus leaf, the water will condense into spherical beads and when these water drops roll on the surface of the leaf, they will have the effect of washing away dirt and pollutants, keeping the lotus leaf clean. Besides, thanks to this structure, lotus leaves also have the ability to resist bacteria that stick to the surface.

Inspired by the “lotus leaf effect”, scientists have developed self-cleaning paints, glasses and fabrics. Accordingly, they have created coatings that simulate the super hydrophobic surface of lotus leaves, allowing rainwater to wash away dirt or making clothes stain-resistant, helping to reduce harsh cleaning chemicals, contributing to environmental protection.

7. Glue inspired by clams

To create glue that can adhere tightly to wet, rough surfaces, scientists learned from the structure of clams, animals that have the ability to adhere tightly to all types of underwater surfaces. Accordingly, mussels have silk threads anchored by plaques. By containing proteins rich in DOPA, an amino acid that can bind in the presence of water, these plaques allow mussels to firmly adhere to rocks, metals or plastics. Simulating the adhesion structure of mussels, scientists have been developing a glue that can stick to surfaces in the water environment, which can be used to repair ships or for medical purposes. For example, there may be surgical adhesives for wet internal tissues or adhesives for medical implants and bone repair materials.

8. Butterfly wings are durable

Studying the iridescent blue wings of the Morpho butterfly, scientists discovered that these colors are created thanks to microscopic nanostructures on the wing scales that help control light: blue wavelengths are enhanced and reflected while other wavelengths can cancel each other out, creating sparkling colors that change with the viewing angle.

This has created a new source of creative inspiration for the materials field. Engineers are working on creating colorless dyes that still maintain lasting vibrancy, optical security features to prevent counterfeiting, or projection screens that display images without the traditional colored backlight.

9. Octopus tentacles and robots with flexible arms

When they first appeared, robots often had a rather rough, heavy shape with rigid hands. However, with inspiration from flexible octopus tentacles, scientists have been developing robots with soft hands that can hold fragile objects or even operate safely underwater.

According to observations, octopuses have extremely skillful "hands", helping them to grasp, explore and feel things thanks to special suction cups. These tentacles have a complex mechanism of action, allowing the octopus to temporarily grip onto wet, rough or smooth surfaces precisely. Researching and learning from the octopus's tentacle mechanism, scientists hope to be able to apply these "tentacles" in the production of surgical tools, underwater tools or robotic arms for sophisticated manufacturing industries.

10. Application thanks to the chameleon's magical tongue

Studying the miraculous tongue of chameleons, scientists at the University of South Florida discovered that thanks to muscles wrapped around a tapered bone inside the tongue, storing elastic energy, chameleons can project their tongues outward at speeds of up to 16 feet (5 m) per second. This “tongue shooting mechanism” has been inspiring engineers to research medical tools and robotics. If successful, tiny devices based on rapid-fire mechanisms like gecko blades could remove blood clots from delicate blood vessels. In robotics and space, similar systems could help collect debris in building collapses or capture objects in zero gravity.