All biomimetic articles
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ResearchLight-harvesting wheel reinvented by chemists copying bacterium
Synthetic mimic of complex at the heart of photosynthesis offers new ways to capture solar energy
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ResearchDecoding the chemistry behind cicada’s bacteria-killing wings
Organisation and composition of nanostructures help to explain unique properties
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ResearchMagnetite microswarm repairs circuit by mimicking bridge-building ants
Gold-coated iron particles in magnetic field move like swarming ants to repair broken microcircuits
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ResearchSelf-growing polymers repair themselves when fractured
Double-network approach creates materials that mimic biological systems
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ResearchCeramic–polymer combination gives mantis shrimp its incredible punching power
Composite material gives shrimp ‘spring’ both strength and flexibility
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ResearchNanoclaw ‘flytraps’ catch bugs in the blood
Bendy nanowires that trap bacteria could fight life-threatening sepsis
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ResearchProduction line for gecko-inspired adhesive
Scientists devise manufacturing process for material that replicates a gecko’s remarkable stickiness
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ReviewAdapt: how we can learn from nature’s strangest inventions
Laura Fisher reviews a tale of bio-inspired technology
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ResearchElectric eels inspire stunning new hydrogel
Material modelled on ion channelling cells could one day power soft, implantable pacemakers or sensors
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ResearchSea urchin spines inspire elastic concrete
Bricklike nanostructure allows calcium silicate hydrate to flex without breaking
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ResearchNanoparticles mimic enzyme to reduce toxins in cigarette smoke
Cigarette filters containing copper nanoparticles could reduce the harmful effects of smoking
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ResearchMagnetic droplets stamp out protein patterns
Droplets rolling across a lotus leaf spark device assembly idea
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ResearchGecko-inspired adhesive unsticks with a flash of light
UV-responsive sticky surface can be switched on and off in a matter of seconds
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ResearchSurface inspired by moth eyes eliminates reflection
Non-reflective nanostructure could improve the performance of high power lasers
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ResearchHairy plants aid oil-absorbing material design
Leaves of weed could even be used to mop-up slicks
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ResearchChemical powered robot octopus is a real softie
3D printed soft robot with no hard components opens way to more user-friendly machines
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ResearchPearl coating built from the ground up
Tough, shiny artificial mother of pearl highlights new approach for biomimetic synthesis
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Research
Shrinking hydrogel reinforces fabric for soft yet strong material
Prosthetics, tear-resistant gloves and bulletproof vests could benefit from polyampholyte gel and glass fibre combo
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News
Light-sensitive shape-shifters are swell gels
Chemists mimic the natural shape-shifting abilities of biological tissues using a half-tone printing technique on a polymer