Researchers at Harvard University have designed a material, liquid-crystal elastomers (LCEs), that can follow the sun as it moves throughout the day. LCEs are rubbery polymers that take inspiration from the pads of gecko feet, controlling the directions in which the materials can move and stretch. Key to molecular structure of this material are magnetic fields, which allow the polymer to be programmed to move in any direction in response to multiple types of stimuli, like sunlight. The development of LCEs can allow for future optimization of self-automated, rotating solar panels.
Learn about our two Decals!
Click here to find out more about our Fall Bioinspired Design Decal and our Spring Bioinspired Design in Action Decal – ALL MAJORS are welcome.Berkeley BioDesign Community
Click here to learn about the BioD: Bio-Inspired Design @ Berkeley student organization or here to signup for more info.
I imagine that the neurological circuits underlying these processes are governed by both 2d spacing maps with their brains as…
to reduce the impact of car accidents, it may be possible to study the force diverting physics of cockroaches to…
you see this type of head-bobbing stability in many avian creatures related to pigeons like chickens. the head ability to…
not like they taught horses how to run! this is an example of convergent evolution where both sea creatures and…
The brain functions in a similar way with neuronal connections. our brains are able to utilize the multiplicity of connections…