~~Each September, the wood frogs of Alaska do a very strange thing: They freeze.They do not freeze totally solid, but they do freeze mostly solid for seven months, then they thaw and hop away | LA Times~~

Like two old blokes on a park bench, watching the world go by, these two banksia seed pods sit together on the branch, their job done.

Every year, Nike brings experts of the world together to tackle a new problem. This year’s challenge: finding sustainable textiles that could revolutionize the shoe industry.

Nature has come up wih some pretty amazing designs. These examples of biomimicry in action cover robotics, architecture, transportation and more.

Banksia seed pods need fire to open for seed dispersal, Fitzgerald River National Park, Australia

The well-known glow from fireflies is an example of bioluminescence and is caused by the reaction of luciferin with the enzyme luciferase. A team at Syracuse University has been able to produce a stronger light from this method. Applications may include night-vision goggles, cameras and possibly zero-energy lighting displays.

The world’s first biomimicry portal offers a library of design and engineering solutions from nature.

Why are they doing this?

Learn how technology can make life richer and less wasteful through practical applications.

biophilic architecture is key for the sustainability and resilience of our future cities

Twenty-four of Sharon Beals’ stunning bird nest photos will be on display at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. from August 25 through February 10, 2014.

What's the role of the manufacturing industry in the circular economy? The extensive use of the product, return to the customer via secondary use, repair, remanufacturing - all are included in the loop.

Interface | Design SpaceCan a factory be designed like a forest? - Interface | Design Space

Is Australia the land of opportunity for biomimicry?

A school of snappers arranges itself to reduce drag and increase efficiency, much as a flock of geese flies in a "V". Arranging vertical turbines in a school-of-fish pattern allows them to be placed closer together without the turbines' wakes interfering. "We wanted to achieve something similar [to fish schools], where instead of minimizing energy consumed we wanted to maximize energy generated," said Dabiri, of California Institute of Technology's Center for Bioinspired Engineering.