Biomimetics
Articles tagged with Biomimetics
Metabolism-inspired hydrogels replicate heartbeat-like motion and photosynthesis
Researchers design polymer networks to replicate dynamic behaviors inspired by biological systems. Self-oscillating gels exhibit rhythmic motion similar to a beating heart, while artificial photosynthetic gels convert light into chemical energy.
Developing a passive antenna sensor from a mosquito muse #ASA190
Researchers developed a mechanical prototype to demonstrate their bio-inspired sensor's ability to enhance vibration signals without amplification circuits or signal processing. The design aims to benefit acoustic and vibration sensors that need to detect very weak signals, such as microphones or biomedical sensors.
Metabolic reprogramming on demand: enzymatic nanovesicles open a new frontier for acute kidney injury therapy
Scientists create a novel nano-delivery system that boosts NAD+ synthesis and reduces consumption, rapidly restoring energy metabolism in damaged kidneys. The approach halts disease progression and prevents chronic kidney disease, offering a promising drug development platform for AKI and other energy metabolism disorders.
From teeth to thorns: Coincidences shape the universal form of nature’s pointed tips
Research finds that the rounded shape of natural tips is due to random mechanical wear, not just evolutionary optimization. The experiment with pencils demonstrates how collisions can lead to a universal parabolic shape across different structures.
Don't build the engine, grow it: biohybrid miniature robots using living organisms
Researchers create living biohybrid miniature robots that solve traditional engineering trade-offs between structural rigidity and environmental adaptability. These biological engines utilize embodied intelligence to navigate complex terrains and achieve performance metrics rivaling state-of-the-art synthetics.
Engineering the future using nature’s design
The Texas A&M biomedical engineering department's scaffolded, inquiry-based biomimicry course has been shown to improve student engagement and imagination competency. Students learn to use nature as a model to solve engineering problems, resulting in breakthroughs in clinical impact and innovation.
Why do seals whisk their whiskers?
Seal whiskers are highly sensitive, but the benefit of active whisking was unclear until new research revealed that it improves sensing. Seals keep their whiskers pulled back and actively move them to detect subtle water vibrations.
Water spider and fish scale bioinspiration drives Janus air electrode for advanced zinc-air batteries
Researchers developed a bioinspired Janus air electrode with a fish-scale and waterspider-leg structure, enabling rapid substance transport and improving catalytic site utilization. The asymmetric architecture significantly enhances zinc-air battery performance, achieving high power density and specific capacity.
Listening to the body’s quietest, yet most dynamic movements
Researchers developed a wearable vibration sensor capable of detecting subtle body movements without external power, opening new possibilities for healthcare technologies. The sensor accurately captures physiological signals and detects extremely faint vibrations across a broad frequency range.
Open-source modular robot for understanding evolution
A new tool has arrived: a highly customizable, open-source robot design called The Robot of Theseus (TROT), developed at the University of Michigan. TROT can model most mammals and enable direct comparisons of variations on the same structure, helping researchers discover the advantages related to limb length and segmentation.
Nanoparticle-mediated photodynamic therapy takes on triple-negative breast cancer
A new CRISPR/Cas9-based bionic tumor cell membrane-encapsulated nanocomposite demonstrates outstanding synergistic therapeutic effects against triple-negative breast cancer. The nanoparticle combines gene therapy with photothermal therapy, evading the immune system and targeting tumor tissue effectively.
Hydrogel cilia set new standard in microrobotics
Scientists created biologically realistic artificial cilia using hydrogel, enabling precise control over their motion. The tiny structures can be powered by low-voltage electrical signals and have shown remarkable durability and versatility.
Artificial tendons give muscle-powered robots a boost
MIT engineers developed artificial tendons made from hydrogel to connect lab-grown muscles with robotic skeletons. The tendons improved the robot's motion and force output by three times, enabling faster and more efficient biohybrid robots.
Biomimetic mRNA delivery system boosts precision immunotherapy for colorectal cancer
A new biomimetic mRNA delivery platform improves PTEN expression levels in patients with colorectal cancer. The system boosts precision immunotherapy by targeting tumors and evading the immune system.
Oxford researchers develop ‘brain-free’ robots that move in sync, powered entirely by air
Oxford researchers have developed soft robots that operate without electronics, motors, or computers, using only air pressure to generate complex, rhythmic movements. The robots can automatically synchronize their actions and perform tasks like sorting beads into containers without external control.
Biomimetic helical fiber sponges combine superelasticity, washability, and thermal efficiency for next-generation insulation
Researchers developed biomimetic helical fibers that form a 3D entangled network providing elasticity and structural integrity. The sponge features ultralow density, high porosity and exceptional thermal and washing durability.
Spider-inspired robot crawls the gut to deliver precision therapy
A team of researchers has developed a tiny, spider-inspired robot that can navigate the digestive system with ease, delivering therapy precisely where it's needed. The soft robot overcomes challenges faced by traditional endoscopes, showcasing its adaptability in traversing complex environments.
Microscopic DNA ‘flowers’ could deliver medicine exactly where it’s needed
Researchers created microscopic DNA 'flowers' that can change shape and behavior in response to their surroundings. These tiny robots, made from special crystals formed by combining DNA and inorganic materials, can perform tasks on their own, from delivering medicine to cleaning up pollution.
Enantioselective synthesis of polycyclic aromatic tetralinyl lignans based on symmetry-directed strategy
Researchers at Tsinghua University have achieved efficient construction of tricyclic core skeleton and total synthesis of multiple natural products through innovative strategy exploiting inherent symmetry within molecules. The method involves photoinduced [2+2] cycloaddition and ring-strain-driven oxidative ring expansion reactions.
UVA Engineering team develops new way to build soft robots that can walk on water
Researchers introduce HydroSpread, a new fabrication method for creating soft robots that can move and adapt on their own. The technology uses liquid polymer to create ultrathin, uniform sheets on water's surface, allowing for complex patterns and controlled movement.
Self-morphing, wing-like feet enhance surface maneuverability of water striders and robots
A team of researchers has developed a robot with self-morphing, wing-like feet that mimic the agile movements of water striders. The insect-scale robot enhances surface maneuverability and can execute sharp turns in just 50 milliseconds, rivaling the rapid aerial maneuvers of flying flies.
A wearable robot that learns
A wearable robot has been upgraded to provide personalized assistance to ALS and stroke patients. The device uses machine learning and a physics-based model to adapt to an individual user's movements, offering more nuanced help with daily tasks.
World's first MPI-trackable alginate-based microrobot: breakthrough platform enables targeted stimulation, position tracking, and cell delivery without cameras or radiation
Researchers developed an alginate-based microrobot that can be tracked using Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) and performs real-time localization, selective thermal therapy, and cell delivery. The robot is powered by a single magnetic actuation system independent of conventional medical imaging devices.
How a rare cycad's wax crystals conjure blue without pigment
A team of researchers found that a rare South African cycad's leaves owe their bluish color to a wax-based optical effect produced by lipid compounds. The coating of epicuticular wax on the leaves forms tubular crystals that reflect light, giving the plant its unique sheen.
Construction of region-specific liver organoid and fabrication of hierarchical functional liver lobule for liver disease modeling and drug evaluation
Researchers developed a human liver organoid platform that closely replicates the liver's region-specific functional architecture, enabling disease modeling and drug screening. The system demonstrated high sensitivity in pharmacological assays and supported region-specific hepatocyte differentiation.
Muscle-inspired sheet-like robot navigates the tightest spaces
Developed by a research team at POSTECH, the robot uses human muscle proteins as inspiration to generate strong force while navigating through tight spaces. The technology has potential applications in various fields, including medical settings, industrial environments, home cleaning, and caregiving robots.
‘Bone-ified muscles’ could be robots’ next flex
Researchers have developed soft artificial muscles that provide the performance and mechanical properties required for building robotic musculoskeletal systems. The new muscles can be battery-powered, enabling robots to move more naturally and safely in unstructured environments.
Designing better brain shunts
Bioengineers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a computational model called BrainFlow that simulates cerebrospinal fluid flow in the presence of shunt implants, providing insight into optimal shunt design and placement for hydrocephalus patients.
Safely navigating treetops thanks to a scaly tail
Researchers from Empa's Soft Kinetic group studied the rare scaly-tailed squirrels' unique bodily structure, discovering that their thorn-covered scales help them maintain position and grip onto tree bark. The study aims to inform robotics by adopting morphological structures and behaviors honed through millions of years of evolution.
Single-material electronic skin gives robots the human touch
Scientists created a low-cost, durable, highly-sensitive robotic 'skin' that can detect various types of touch and pressure. The technology senses multiple physical inputs simultaneously, allowing robots to interact with their environment in a more human-like way.
RAIBO runs over walls with feline agility... Ready for effortless search over mountaineous and rough terrains
Researchers at KAIST developed a quadrupedal navigation system that enables the robot to reach its target destination quickly and safely in complex terrain. Inspired by cat's paw placement, they significantly reduced computational complexity.
Nebraska engineers develop self-healing muscle for robots
Researchers created a soft robotics technology that can identify damage, pinpoint its location, and autonomously initiate self-repair. The system uses a multi-layer architecture featuring liquid metal microdroplets, thermoplastic elastomer, and electromigration to melt and seal damaged areas, effectively self-healing the wound.
Antonio Bicchi is the recipient of the “2025 Pioneer in Robotics and Automation Award” from the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (IEEE RAS)
Antonio Bicchi has been selected for the 2025 Pioneer in Robotics and Automation Award for his groundbreaking contributions to robotics and prosthetics. He is recognized for developing innovative robotic limbs that match human hand capabilities, as well as natural prosthetic limbs.
Self-assembly of a large metal-peptide capsid nanostructure through geometric control
Researchers successfully constructed a large molecular spherical shell structure with the geometric topology of a regular dodecahedron through entanglement of peptides with metal ions. The resulting M60L60 metal-peptide shell exhibits remarkable stability against heat, dilution, and oxidative conditions, making it a promising platform ...
USTC develops high-performance biomimetic proton gating system
Researchers at USTC create solid-state membrane with high-performance proton gating regulated by ambient humidity, surpassing existing technologies. The membrane achieves an unprecedented proton gating ratio of 5,740 due to reversible formation and disruption of water bridges.
A bio-inspired thermoelectric cement towards self-powered buildings
Researchers developed a bio-inspired thermoelectric cement with a Seebeck coefficient of −40.5 mV/K, surpassing previous materials by ten times. The composite achieves superior mechanical strength and energy storage potential, enabling continuous power supply for electronic devices.
Researchers develop biomimetic adsorbent to efficiently extract uranium from seawater
Researchers developed a biomimetic adsorbent inspired by the natural porous structure of the Chinese sweet gum tree's fruit. The hierarchical nano-trap framework significantly enhanced ion diffusion and increased uranium adsorption capacity, outperforming competitive ions in real seawater tests.
Researchers develop novel biomimetic fabrication technique for flexible electronics such as wearable sensors and electronic skins
A research team at the University of Turku developed a novel biomimetic fabrication technique to replicate bioinspired microstructures found in plant leaf skeletons. The resulting surfaces offer superior flexibility, breathability, and transparency, making them ideal for next-generation flexible electronics.
How a Y chromosome gene may shape the course of heart valve disease
Researchers identified a Y chromosome-linked gene, UTY, as a key driver of valve calcification in males. In females, fibrotic tissue formation stiffens the valve, leading to different disease progression. The study highlights the importance of sex-based mechanisms in heart valve disease
Magnetic microalgae on a mission to become robots
Researchers developed magnetic micro swimmers covered in a thin coating of magnetic nanoparticles, unaffected by the coating. The algae maintained their swimming speed after magnetization and navigated 3D-printed channels using magnetic guidance.
UH professors first to take images of how cholesterol forms crystals in the body
Researchers have discovered how cholesterol crystals form in human bodies, shedding light on heart disease and gallstones. The team identified a special solvent that mimics the body's natural environment, allowing them to watch how cholesterol crystals grow in real time.
Muscles from the printer
Scientists at Empa have developed a method to produce complex soft actuators using 3D printing, overcoming challenges of elasticity, softness, and material properties. The actuators, made from silicone-based materials, can be used in various applications, including robotics, cars, and potentially even medical devices.
Butterfly-inspired 4D printing of smart hydrogels enables precise micro-nano deformation
A Chinese research team has created a single-step femtosecond laser 4D printing technology that enables rapid and precise micro-scale deformation of smart hydrogels. The innovation mimics the hierarchical structure of butterfly wings, promising applications in flexible electronics and minimally invasive medicine.
Researchers develop highly robust, reconfigurable, and mechanochromic cellulose photonic hydrogels
The study introduces a new way to apply cellulose nanocrystals, resulting in high-strength, reconfigurable, and mechanochromic hydrogels with improved mechanical properties and dynamic color-changing abilities. These materials have potential uses in sustainable bioplastics, flexible electronic substrates, and smart photonic devices.
Sea sponge inspires super strong compressible material
Researchers developed a new material inspired by the Venus' flower basket deep-sea sponge, showcasing remarkable compressive strength and stiffness. The double lattice design overcomes limitations of existing auxetic materials, offering potential applications in construction, sports gear, and medical devices.
How mosquitos hear may inspire new ways to detect natural disasters
Researchers at Purdue University are studying mosquito antennae to develop acoustic sensors that can detect natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. By mimicking the unique structure of these antennae, they hope to create more sensitive sound-detection technology.
Emboa Medical creates, validates novel catheter to improve stroke patients’ outcomes
Emboa Medical creates a microstructured catheter called TRAP, which mimics a boa constrictor's teeth arrangement to grab onto blood clots without tearing them. The TRAP design has shown significant benefits in removing clots on the first attempt and improving outcomes for stroke patients.
NTT Research and Harvard scientists optimize biohybrid ray development with machine learning
Researchers developed mini biohybrid rays using cardiomyocytes and rubber, demonstrating improved swimming efficiencies approximately two times greater than previous biomimetic designs. The application of machine-learning directed optimization enabled an efficient search for high-performance design configurations.
Researchers create chemotaxic biomimetic liquid metallic leukocytes with versatile behavior
The researchers created a chemotaxic biomimetic liquid metallic entity that exhibits various behaviors like engulfing foreign substances and changing shape, similar to living cells. These liquid metal structures can autonomously climb slopes and move through complicated surfaces with versatility and potential for future applications.
Bat wings boost hovering efficiency
Researchers design flexible, batlike wings that boost lift and improve flight performance. The study found that smooth curvature of the membrane wing generates more lift than a leading-edge vortex.
Researchers reveal toughening mechanism of crack front in bioinspired materials
A research team has uncovered the propagation and toughening mechanism of tortuous crack front in bioinspired anisotropic heterogeneities. They developed an optimization design for toughness amplification by manipulating microstructural orientation, leading to a 3D helical crack-tip configuration.
KAIST develops insect-eye-inspired camera capturing 9,120 frames per second
A novel bio-inspired camera capable of ultra-high-speed imaging and high sensitivity has been developed by KAIST researchers. The camera mimics the visual structure of insect eyes and achieves frame rates thousands of times faster than conventional cameras, while providing clear images in low-light conditions.
Influential robotics journal picks UVA paper as Best of 2024
The University of Virginia's AI-powered vision system, mimicking praying mantis eyes, has been selected as the best paper of 2024 by Science Robotics. The innovative system enables machines to track objects in 3D space, addressing limitations in current visual data processing.
Wind sensing by biomimetic flexible flapping wing with strain sensors
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo developed a method to detect wind direction using seven strain gauges on a flapping wing and a convolutional neural network model. The system achieved high classification accuracy of 99.5% in detecting wind conditions, opening up new possibilities for improving robotic flight control.
Unveil the secret of stretchable technology through color
A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a technology that visualizes the deformation of 'serpentine' structures in real-time through color changes. This innovation eliminates the need for complex nanofabrication processes, providing actionable design guidelines for optimizing these structures.
Virus that threatened humanity opens the future
Researchers developed AI-driven therapeutic platform mimicking viral structures to deliver therapeutic genes to target cells. The innovative approach achieved precise symmetrical structures and effectively delivered payloads, paving the way for breakthroughs in gene therapies and next-generation vaccines.
Prosthetic material could help reduce infections from intravenous catheters
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a skin-like material that can mimic human skin textures and elasticity, simulating conditions for bacterial growth. The Ecoflex-based skin replicas can be used to test wearable sensors and improve catheter designs, potentially reducing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.
Need a research hypothesis? Ask AI.
Researchers create SciAgents framework to autonomously generate and evaluate promising research hypotheses in biologically inspired materials. The framework uses graph reasoning methods to organize relationships between scientific concepts, mimicking biological systems.
Transplanting healthy reef ecosystems to damaged reefs improves coral health
A pioneering study reveals that transplanting vibrant invertebrate and microbial communities from healthy reefs to damaged ones significantly boosts coral health. The innovative approach, known as 'a coral reef ecosystem transplant,' demonstrates notable improvements in coral photosynthetic efficiency and physiological function.