For 3.8 billion years, Nature has been designing, engineering and manufacturing without using fossil fuels or causing toxic waste. Why do people not let her teach them?

So says co-coordinator of Naturally Knysna Sue Swain, who highlighted human dependency on nature during a recent television interview on nature programme, 50/50. Swain will present one of her fascinating talks for the Gardening@Leisure Club at the Leisure Isle Bowling Club, tomorrow, February 3. Her talk, starting at 10:00, will deal with the concept of biomimicry.
"This is the idea of turning to nature for answers - looking at the perfection of natural models, processes and systems and seeing what we can learn from them in order to create a better, healthier and sustainable world to live in," explains Swain.

A few striking examples of biomimicry
Velcro was invented by Swiss engineer George de Mestral in 1941 after he removed burrs from his dog and decided to take a closer look at how they worked. The small hooks found at the end of the burr needles inspired him to create the now ubiquitous Velcro.

In 2004, scientists at Duke University, West Chester University and the US Naval Academy discovered that the bumps at the front edge of a whale fin greatly increase its efficiency, reducing drag by 32% and increasing lift by 8%. Companies like Whale Power are borrowing this concept and creating wind turbine blades that greatly boost the amount of energy created per turbine. Other companies are applying the idea to cooling fans, aeroplane wings and propellers.

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'). Scientists have been able to replicate dermal denticles in swimsuits (which are now banned in major competition due to their effectiveness) and the bottom of boats. When cargo ships can squeeze out even a single additional percent in efficiency, they burn less bunker oil and don't require cleaning chemicals for their hulls.

Scientists are also applying the technique to create surfaces in hospitals that resist bacterial growth - the bacteria can't catch hold on the rough surface.

Visitors are most welcome to attend this talk. Tea is R15 for non-members.
For more information kindly contact the chairlady, Denise Voysey on 044 384 1896 or on rogvoy@mweb.co.za.