Biomimicry in Business?

I was reading an article in the Economist the other day. It reported on the creation of unmanned gliders, which, unlike planes, rely on wind currents and thermals to maintain speed and loft. Tactical Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial System (TALEUAS), is being developed by the Naval Post Graduate school in Monteray California. TALEUAS relies on a sophisticated software and sensors, which can detect the presence of thermals and pilot the plane to take advantage of the lift. Much like its avian counterparts, it can stay aloft all day drifting from thermal to wind gust.

Bullet train, inspired by Kingfisher's beak

This is a fascinating take on biomimicry, the discipline that looks to nature for engineering and design solutions. Inspired, I came across a number of interesting articles and insights online. Those of you looking for inspiration, are encouraged to consult the website, AskNature.org, which catalogues the strategies that nature employs for a variety of functions. For example,  carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is an drug resistant bacteria that is reaching epidemic levels in hospitals. According to the Center for Disease Control,  it is found in 18% percent of long term acute care facilities, and it kills half of the patients that it infects. CRE and other “superbugs” are becoming more difficult to control because the development of new antibiotics is failing to keep pace with the evolution of these bacteria. Instead of a antibiotic arms race, however, researchers, such as Anthony Brennan, a materials science and engineering professor at the University of Florida, are taking cues from sharks to mitigate the spread of these powerful pathogens. Shark skin has an unusual characteristic in that it does not harbor algae or aquatic bacteria. This is because its rough surface, which paradoxically reduces drag in the water( inspiring the now banned “shark suits” of the 2008 Summer Olympics) also prevents bacteria and algae to attach to its skin. Brennan, who replicated the physical characteristics of the skin on hospital countertops and doorknobs, has reduced bacterial colonization of MRSA virus by 86 percent, e-coli bacteria by 99 percent and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by 100 percent after one hour of air exposure. Researchers are hopeful that this strategy can mitigate the effect of CRE.

"Sharkskin" that repels bacteria

These are fascinating examples of using nature as a design primer, and biomimetic principles are also gaining credence as business strategies. Green Biz ran an interesting article about this here.

It is not surprising that nature, with over 3.8 billion years of experience could be a powerful source of insight into design and business solutions. At its core, the principles of the lean startup, with its rapid iterations are not unlike the process of evolution, where nature “pivots” 

towards a better system.

It will be exciting to see what lessons the natural ecosystems have in store for us, and how we can apply insights therein towards creating a more sustainable future.