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Home/ IB 199 BioInspiration Spring 2011/ Contents contributed and discussions participated by Alec Colligan

Contents contributed and discussions participated by Alec Colligan

Alec Colligan

Retinas of loosejaw dragonfish sense far-red light by incorporating pigments from bacte... - 0 views

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    This is an article on the loosejaw dragonfish, which senses infrared light using pigments from the bacteria it eats. Scientists are brainstorming numerous applications for this property, including tumor growth monitoring, bioluminescent energy techniques, and plastics testing.
Alec Colligan

Polar Thermos Cozy - 0 views

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    This is an interesting concept for a drink cozy with a composition that mimics blubber.
Alec Colligan

Fur and feathers get grip on ice: seals and penguins - 0 views

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    This is an interesting bit on how penguins and seals use their feathers/fur to create traction when sliding on antarctic ice, and scientists are trying to imitate it mechanically.
Alec Colligan

Mussel adhesive inspires tough coating for living cells - 0 views

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    This is a really interesting find. This article talks about how scientists are developing a coating similar to that found in mussels that could really allow us to do more with cells.
Alec Colligan

Clay protects from toxic sap: macaws - 1 views

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    This represents ingenuity in nature. To prevent contact with a poisonous surface, macaws dip their feet in a special clay before grabbing for the fruit of the hura tree. The macaw also swallows this clay after ingesting this poisonous fruit. An application for this would be analysis of the clay to form an antivenom that doesn't require refridgeration. I was extremely intrigued by this.
Alec Colligan

Energy transfers in photosynthetic process: green sulphur bacteria - 0 views

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    This article descibes the process by which green sulphur bacteria capture and store light energy. I thought that it was interesting because it relates bacteria to quantum physics, which is a connection we don't see to often.
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