Arcadia Public Library

The world has always been a dangerous place, so how do we increase our odds of survival? In Making Stuff Safer, David Pogue explores the cutting-edge research of scientists and engineers who want to keep us out of harm’s way. Some are countering the threat of natural disasters with new firefighting materials and safer buildings. Others are at work on technologies to thwart terrorist attacks. A next-generation vaccine will save millions from deadly...

"Did you know that lamps can be powered by glowing bacteria instead of electricity? That gloves designed like gecko feet let people climb straight up glass walls? Or that kids are finding ways to make compostable plastic out of banana peels? Biomimicry, the scientific term for when we learn from and copy nature, is a revolutionary way to look to nature for answers to environmental problems such as climate change. In Design Like Nature young readers...

"In biomimicry, scientists imitate traits found in nature. An engineer shapes the nose of his bullet train like a kingfisher's beak. A scientist models her solar cell on the mighty leaf. Discover how ten inventors were inspired by animals and plants to create cutting-edge technology"--

This book shows how dolphins have taught us many useful lessons about life in the ocean. With natural sonar, they can swim and hunt while blindfolded. Scientists study dolphins to learn more about intelligence in animals and in humans.

This book shows how humans have copied many clever plant tricks. Plants can grow in the most unlikely places, soak up sunlight for energy, and use rain, wind, and animals to spread their seeds. Some plants lure insects for food.

"This book discusses the history and current state of high-tech folding in the world of manufacturing and how it is informed by folding in the natural world. Readers meet the leading scientists and artists in the field, learn about the manufacturing applications of folding in aerospace and other fields, and where folding technology is going in the future"--

Explains how the study of butterfly wings inspired innovations in display technology for digital screens.

Looks at how scientists created a new kind of adhesive by mimicking the sticky nature of a gecko's foot.