Moth’s Inner Eye
Evolutionary EdgeThe deep black interior of a moth’s eye is one of the least reflective surfaces in nature. Scientists believe the texture is responsible for the moth’s sensitive night vision. It also minimizes reflections that could signal dinner to predators.
Why Engineers Want ItSimple: The less light reflected by the surface of a solar cell, the more it can convert to electricity.
State of the TechEngineers in Japan used a mold to replicate the nanoscale structure of the moth’s eye in an acrylic resin film. In January the researchers reported that applying the film to solar cells increased efficiency by 6 percent. A commercial version is on the way.
Stripes of the Oriental Hornet
Evolutionary EdgeA pigment called xanthopterin, which gives the hornet’s abdominal stripes their yellow color, may power a biological heat pump to keep the hornet cool.
Why Engineers Want ItXanthopterin is arguably nature’s best ...
