Paws to Reflect on Biomimetics

Biomimetics (or biomimicry) is the scientific applications of using what has been found in nature and making them available for our use. We use the minds that our Creator gave us to make use of various things, but deny rightful credit ("it evolved"). Has biomimetics gone to the dogs?

Credits: Original from Freeimages / Lidija Macej, modified at PhotoFunia

Or more accurately, some of biomimetics is coming from the dogs. The right person was paying attention to burrs in a dog's fur, and eventually, Velcro was developed. Another invention inspired by observing a dog —

"A dog walked into a saloon with one arm in a sling. He tipped back his cowboy hat and announced to the bartender and everyone else, "'I'm lookin' for the man that shot my paw!'"

Many thanks for that humorous non-contribution. 

So anyway, why was the cocker spaniel getting along so well on the ice, but his pet human was having all sorts of troubles? This observant man had his mental pumped primed because he was working on problems of slipping on boats.

Paul Sperry (1894–1982) was an avid New England sailor and inventor. But he kept running into a problem common to yachtsmen of his day: the boat deck became slippery and dangerous when wet. After nearly drowning in a boating accident, Paul set out to solve the problem by applying various coatings to his boat deck and shoes. However, his success was limited and temporary.

One wintry day in 1935 Paul was walking his cocker spaniel, Prince, along an icy path. He found walking difficult, but Prince moved with ease across the ice and remained sure-footed. Arriving back home Paul examined the dog’s feet.

To read the rest, slide on over to "A Sailor’s Best Friend".