Did you know that Velcro (seen above) is an invention inspired by the way burrs stick to a dog's fur? True. Even more unbelievably, Velcro was invented in 1948 -- 60 years ago. It seems not every great idea sails into flight upon conception. A lesson there! NASA, for the record, was one of the first users of Velcro -- in 1972.
The concept of using nature to help design and inspire innovation is as old as man, but it's also got a name -- biomimetics. This month's National Geographic has a very well-written feature about this new science, accompanied (of course) by National-Geographic-quality photographs. And here's the best part -- the whole thing is online, and even comes with video. Check it out!
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1 comment:
2008 less 1948 equals 60, not 50.
But velcro is just another beautiful example of the suffering our dogs endure for us! What other animal would be willing to suffer burrs so we could have velcro?
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