Biomimicry
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Why Don't Penguin Feathers Freeze?

Why Don't Penguin Feathers Freeze? | Biomimicry | Scoop.it

"Despite living in frigid temperatures and getting wet, penguins’ feathers remain free of ice. How is that possible? [...] The answer is in the microstructure of penguins' feathers. The feathers are comprised of “a network of barbs, wrinkled barbules and tiny interlocking hooks. In addition to being hydrophobic, this hierarchical architecture with grooved structures is anti-adhesive. [...] Based on their discoveries about the feathers’ microstructure, the scientists recreated the design in a nanofiber membrane that could be developed into an ice-proof material, which they say could potentially be used in applications such as electrical insulation."

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Poisonous Frogs Inspire De-icing Tech for Planes

Poisonous Frogs Inspire De-icing Tech for Planes | Biomimicry | Scoop.it

"Although spring is finally here, the nightmare of winter flight delays is still fresh in many frequent flyers’ minds. However, these delays could soon become a thing of the past, and we have poisonous frogs to thank. Researchers from Arizona State University believe they have found a way for plane wings to de-ice themselves by secreting anti-freeze, much in the same way a poisonous dart frog’s skin secretes a toxin when threatened."

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