AskNature

HAWC+ from NASA is a telescope camera with small protuberances on the surface that increase light capture.

Convolutional Neural Networks use a deep learning algorithm to efficiently process information.

VitRIS and HydRIS from Nova Laboratories use sugar‑glass stabilization to improve long‑term vaccine storage.

SwarmLogic from Encycle uses a unique algorithm that allows power‑consuming appliances to communicate with each other and save energy.

Warka Tower from Warka Water uses a mesh net to collect water from humid air.

The Sycamore Ceiling Fan from Sycamore Technologies has a single blade that provides high air flow and creates minimal noise.

Waterboxx plant cocoon from Groasis creates a nourishing, protective environment that helps seedlings grow in dry, arid conditions.

Velcro has tiny hooks that fit into small loops to create a secure closure.

Project Dreamcatcher from AutoDesk Research is a generative design system that uses nature‑based algorithms to create optimized design solutions in real time.

The PAX Water Mixer from PAX Water Technologies is shaped in a spiral pattern, which helps to mix fluid more efficiently while reducing energy consumption and noise.

Metavision from Prophesee is a machine vision system that uses event‑based vision to capture and record movement.

iThrone from change:WATER Labs uses evaporation to dispose of human waste without using energy or plumbing.

Mushroom Packaging from Ecovative Design uses mycelium to create a compostable, thermally insulating packaging.

ECOncrete from ECOncrete Tech LTD. facilitates the growth and regeneration of local marine species to strengthen structures over time.

Helicoid Technology uses an innovative helicoid design to increase strength and toughness while using less materials.

NanoSphere from Schoeller is a textile finishing technology that is resistant to water, dirt, and oils, providing a natural self‑cleaning effect.

Nemastim from Pheronym uses pheromones as a natural pesticide to help improve crop production.

Natural Systems Agriculture from The Land Institute uses mutually beneficial relationships to create self‑sustaining crop production.

Nikwax Analogy from Nikwax is a dual‑layered fabric that draws water away from the body, helping keep the user dry.

spotLESS from spotLESS Materials is a sprayable coating that keeps surfaces clean without the use of harsh chemicals.

Cypris Materials are structural color coatings that reflect UV and infrared light without toxic chemicals or dyes.

Werewool uses proteins found in nature to create color without the use of toxic chemicals or dyes.

Metalmark uses 3‑D nanostructured materials to break down and filter out contaminants in the air.

Mikoks from Nanomik Biotechnology protects crops from fungi by controlling the release of plant defense molecules found in nature.

iThrone from change:WATER Labs uses evaporation to dispose of human waste without using energy or plumbing.

Cooling system from MIT uses an evaporation‑insulation cooling design that eliminates power usage.

Dome lens from Tamkang University utilizes the properties of spider silk to form a dome shape out of resin.

Vortex Process Technology by Watreco shapes fluid flow to efficiently generate a well‑defined vortex at a considerably lower pressure and flow.

Warka Tower from Warka Water uses a mesh net to collect water from humid air.

Waterboxx plant cocoon from Groasis creates a nourishing, protective environment that helps seedlings grow in dry, arid conditions.

Rainmaker 330 Solar Water Distiller from SolAqua uses evaporation to create natural pH buffering to produce pure, clean water.

SLIPS Zero from Adaptive Surface Technologies has an ultra‑thin slippery surface that allows containers to be emptied completely.

Algal Turf Scrubber from Hydromentia pulses water to stimulate algal growth, creating an efficient environment for pollutant removal.

Baleen Filters from Baleen Filters Pty Limited use self‑cleaning filters to clean wastewater without the use of chemicals.

Bio‐Domes from Wastewater Compliance Systems use naturally occurring biofilms to accelerate the removal of chemicals and organic materials in wastewater.

BioHaven Floating Island from Floating Island West is a floating garden that naturally cleans water and improves habitats.

The Cocoon from Land Life Company creates a nourishing, protective environment that helps seedlings grow in dry, arid conditions.

Nemastim from Pheronym uses pheromones as a natural pesticide to help improve crop production.

Mikoks from Nanomik Biotechnology protects crops from fungi by controlling the release of plant defense molecules found in nature.

spotLESS from spotLESS Materials is a sprayable coating that keeps surfaces clean without the use of harsh chemicals.

Naturally‑derived alkaloid from from Guizhou University has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that protect fruit from spoiling.

Smartwound from the Jenkins Group at the University of Bath is a bandage with a special gel matrix that alerts the user when an infection has occurred.

Novel marine coating from Jilin University has natural antifoulants and low surface energy that help prevent biofouling and reduce friction.

Microbe‑resistant coating from the University of Bayreuth is made of nanostructures to deter bacterial attachment.

SLIPS Zero from Adaptive Surface Technologies has an ultra‑thin slippery surface that allows containers to be emptied completely.

Sharklet from Sharklet Technologies has diamond shaped micropatterns that inhibit bacterial growth without using antibiotics.

SLIPS Foul Protect from Adaptive Surface Technologies has an ultra‑thin slippery surface that protects against biofouling.

SLIPS Repel from Adaptive Surface Technologies has an ultra‑thin slippery surface that helps reduce residue build‑up.

Apeel from Apeel Sciences is an edible coating for fresh fruits and vegetables that helps them last longer by slowing the ripening process.

AIRCOAT is a marine coating that prevents biofouling and reduces friction by creating a layer of air along the hull.

Brilacidin from Innovation Pharmaceuticals mimics antimicrobial peptides to combat pathogens and protect against antiviral activity.

Soft robot from the University of California San Diego has a 3D‑printed 'flexoskeleton' with both soft and rigid parts.

3D printed concrete from RMIT University is constructed with helicoid layers to increase strength.

Helicoid Technology uses an innovative helicoid design to increase strength and toughness while using less materials.

Wind turbine farm from California Institute of Technology groups turbines together to increase energy output.

PufferBot from the University of Colorado Boulder has a protective shield that prevents dangerous collisions.

An aerofoil from City University of London has finlets that stabilize flow and reduce turbulence.

Shoe grip from Harvard and MIT pops out to increase friction with the ground and reduce the likelihood of slipping and falling.

Electronic system from University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign is made of crystals that increase stretchability.

Carbon fiber fasteners from Purdue University have an energy‑absorbing laminated structure to increase resilience when connecting dissimilar materials.

Protective equipment from Hunan University has a two layer design that makes it flexible and impact‑resistant.

Biomimetic fish scales from City University of London demonstrates that the scale pattern and arrangement of scales controls water flow to reduce drag while swimming.

Structural material from Harvard University has a diagonally‑reinforced square lattice structure that makes it strong and lightweight.

Proteus from Durham University is a non‑cuttable material made of a ceramic spheres within a flexible aluminum structure that interferes with cutting tools.

A rapidly moving spring from UMass Amherst uses strategically places elliptical holes to create an efficient snapping motion through rotation.

Winged jump‑gliding robot from Seoul National University utilizes a curved vein shape that allows for self‑locking.

Structural batteries from University of Michigan are made of zinc to increase the energy density of the battery and optimize material usage.

Robust biomaterial from Beihang University uses a mixture of silkworm silk and a polymer matrix to create a durable, biocompatible material.

Light, strong carbon‑fiber composites from Texas A&M University use recycled wood fiber to reinforce the structure while speeding up the assembly of the material.

Winglets from NASA are vertical extensions on airplane wings that help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

Striplox has edge hooks that securely join materials together permanently or temporarily.

Mushroom Packaging from Ecovative Design uses mycelium to create a compostable, thermally insulating packaging.

The Pangolin Backpack from Pangolin has overlapping scales that protect the contents within.