Nanotechnology, Lessons from Nature: Discoveries, Research, and Applications (Synthesis Lectures on Engineering, Science, and Technology)

Description

As long as humans have existed on the planet, they have looked at the world around them and wondered about much of what they saw. This book covers 21 different phenomena that have been observed in nature and puzzled about for decades.Only recently, with the development of the microscopes and other tools that allow us to study, evaluate, and test these observed phenomena at the molecular and atomic scale, have researchers been able to understand the science behind these observations. From the strength of a marine sponge found at the depths of the oceans, to the insect-hydroplaning surface of the edge of a plant, to the intricacies of the eyes of a moth, nanotechnology has allowed science to define and understand these amazing capabilities. In many cases, this new understanding has been applied to products and applications that benefit humans and the environment. For each of the five ecosystems— the ocean, insects, flora, fauna, and humans—the observations, study and understanding, and applications will be covered. The relationship between the more easily observed macro level and understanding what is found at the nanoscale will also be discussed. Introduction The Interactions of Light with Matter The Interaction of Water with Surfaces Nature's Abundance of Antibacterial Surfaces References From the Sea Cephalopods Sharks Deep Sea Glass Sponge Abalone References The Insect World Butterflies Genus Morpho Genus Papilio Glasswing Butterfly Beetles Namib Desert Beetle Diabolical Ironclad Beetle The Eyes of Moths Fireflies References From Plants Lotus Leaves The Pitcher Plant Bamboo References From Birds Toucan Beaks The Nature of Feathers Peacock Feathers Hummingbirds References The Amazing Human DNA Proteins References Author's Biography