New Science Based on an Old Truth

Job 36:22
“Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?”

While the development of a new science is helping mankind, it says something that many scientists did not intend to say. The science is called biomimetics. As the name suggests, biomimetics is based on the idea that if we copy designs found in nature, we can often improve our own technology.

For example, a Japanese company developed special swimsuit material for the Beijing Olympics that provides less resistance in the water. Taking a cue from the swift marlin, the company developed material with imbedded polymers so that it mimics the marlin’s skin’s absorption of water. Schools of fish swim in a beautiful unison ballet without ever running into each other. Nissan Motor Company is studying fish schools to discover what it might do to build cars with better anti-collision equipment. Solar cells and light-emitting diodes certainly could be more efficient. Engineers learned that moths see so well in the dark because their eyes have special convex-concave design. That design means that the moth’s eye surface reflects two to three-tenths of a percent of the light that hits it. Standard plastic film reflects four to five percent of the light hitting it, making the moth’s eye much less reflective.

Whether biomimetics intends it or not, in looking to the creation to improve our designs, it recognizes the Creator as the Source of all knowledge.

Prayer: Father, the Source of all knowledge, we thank You for sharing Your knowledge with us. Help us to use it well. Amen.

Author: Paul A. Bartz

Ref: The Nikkei Weekly, 5/31/10, p. 17, “Preserving biodiversity benefits society, business, helps secure future.” Photo: Blue Marlin by Paul Brennan – Pixabay.com