Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
(a)
Figure 20.4 (a) Unfolding of the common beech (Fagus sylvaticus) leaves as they open from the bud stage (left)
to corrugated leaves (right). (These photos are a courtesy of the Royal Society and of Julian Vincent and they
were taken by Biruta Kresling; both Julian and Biruta are from The University of Bath, England.) (From Kobayashi
H., B. Kresling, and J. F. V. Vincent, The geometry of unfolding tree leaves, Proceeding of the Royal Society, Series
B, vol. 265 (1998), pp. 147-154. http://www.bath.ac.uk/mech-eng/biomimetics/LeafGeometry.pdf. With permis-
sion.). (b) A biomimetic art called 'Leaf-Mat' mimics the folding leaves and it is a folding mat that is made of
polypropylene deployment and felt. (Courtesy of Adi Marom, Landscape Products Co., Tokyo, Japan.)
operation of new instruments. The interface of machine and humans is becoming increasingly
complicated, but the instructions for using them can be simplified by using biological terms and
principles. One can make new instruments more intuitive if concepts from nature are used, making
it easier to ''figure out'' how the instrument works, thereby reducing instructions or training.
20.7
HUMAN DEVIATION FROM NATURE MODELS
In order to ensure both the short-term existence and long-term species sustainability, all organisms
must grow, maintain existence, feed, and reproduce. Generally, most organisms meet their basic life
needs within the boundaries of the habitat in which they live. If they cannot compete in this habitat,
then they must either adapt a different strategy, move to a different habitat in which they can
compete, or die. In the short term, the adaptation capability of individual organisms helps species
survive if followed by genetic modifications that sustain the long-term survival of the species. The
specific characteristics of the adaptation are determined by the constraints of the environment and
the genetic make up of the specific species.
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