Chapter 1
The fast and the quiet: Aerodynamic wonders
Chapter 2
Sticky, dry, and clean: Materials and surfaces
Chapter 3
Nature's architects: Buildings that breathe
Chapter 4
Sensory superpowers: Communication and navigation
YOUR GOAL
Master of How nature designed our coolest gadgets
Ch 4 · Sensory superpowers: Communication and navigation
007skaty Dolphin-Inspired Acoustic Modems
Chirp and sweep, chirp and sweep! / Send a signal through the deep!
007skaty In a 2010 study, Japanese researchers placed oat flakes on a map, prompting slime mold to recreate Tokyo's
BETA
007skaty Map the dark ocean using sound waves to discover how animal echolocation inspired sonar technology.
Fun Fact
Slime mold smarts: Despite having no brain or nervous system, slime molds can solve mazes and remember where they have already explored.
Glossary
echolocation (noun)
The biological sensing method of locating objects by emitting sound waves and listening to the reflected echoes. This biological mechanism inspired the development of sonar, which was first patented by Lewis Richardson in 1912.
The biological sensing method of locating objects by emitting sound waves and listening to the reflected echoes. This biological mechanism inspired the development of sonar, which was first patented by Lewis Richardson in 1912.
Quiz
Which brainless, single-celled organism successfully mapped Tokyo's rail network in 2010?
Quiz
How long did it take the slime mold to recreate the layout of Tokyo's train system?
Quiz
What type of signals do dolphins use to communicate through underwater noise and echoes?
Quiz
Which German engineering firm created underwater modems based on dolphin communication?
Quiz
What is the name of the navigation cane for visually impaired people inspired by bat echolocation?
Quiz
By what percentage did researchers increase LED efficiency in 2013 by copying firefly lanterns?
Quiz
What is the scientific name of the slime mold used in the Tokyo transit experiment?