Nature - The Magic Of Motion

Broadcast (2006) Most animals, and even a few plants, move. They swim, walk, run or fly in a wide range of ways, and in this programme we look at how designers of planes, cars and robots have found inspiration in nature. But biomimetics is not just about copying nature, its about understanding the principles behind natures success and applying those in new and surprising ways. So exploring the world of cars and planes also gives us some startling new insights into nature as well. In this programme we find out why sharks can swim so fast, how flies and geckos can climb smooth glass and how vultures can help the next generation of airliners. We also meet robot cockroaches that might look like something from science fiction. NatureTech is a multi award winning series and explores biomimetics the science of looking to nature for answers to modern problems. Why are blossoms never dirty and can we also make our cars that way? Why can geckos walk on the ceiling and can we use their tricks to create better adhesives? Why is the spiders web tougher than steel? Could we use silk to make bullet proof vests? Exciting new developments in computer technology, chemistry and physics are enabling us to understand Natures designs better than ever before. In Namibia we watch scientists laboriously fill a 3 metre high termite mound with latex, then, under the burning sun, shave away a few millimetres of the mound at a time and photograph it. The end result is the first ever complete 3D model of a termite mound, and it reveals some remarkable stories of how the termites control temperature, carbon dioxide and humidity in the nest. Understanding this, theres no reason why we cant build tower blocks on the same principles. NatureTech, created by the team that made Limits of Perception. Scientists are not simply trying to copy nature they are taking hints, extracting principles and applying winning designs of evolution in a new, human context. Visually, this three part series is an attractive, fast paced mix of stunning natural history shots, computer assisted design and CGI graphics of futuristic inventions, ultra modern and high tech as well as showing scenes of the worlds leading designers and engineers at work.