BioInspired! Newsletter

Welcome to the BioInspired! Newsletter Weblog!

This Weblog stores current (see next post) and past issues of the BioInspired! Newsletter (formerly the Biomimicry Newsletter).  The newsletter is sponsored by the Biomimicry Institute and is intended to:

1. educate readers about Biomimicry
2. inform readers of activities and events related to Biomimicry
3. provide readers with opportunities to get involved

If this is your first time visiting this Weblog, please check out the Hints and Tips post (Mac users, please see 2007/03/26 update).  To be added to the distribution list, complete the E-newsletter sign-up form.

You are encouraged to comment on any entry through the Comments field in the trailer of each post.  TypePad asks for an e-mail address which will be publicly visible to visitors of the Weblog.  Many people set up e-mail accounts on Yahoo or Hotmail specifically for this purpose, in case the e-mail gets SPAMed. 

Thanks, Norbert Hoeller

February 2008 Newsletter (Issue 6.1)

Download bioinspired_v6.1.pdf

Welcome to the first issue of 2008, including:

• a review of Biomimicry Institute accomplishments in 2007 (Bryony Schwan)
• The Biomimicry Children's Album (Cindy Gilbert)
• an update on the 'Patterns from Nature' project (Norbert Hoeller)
• the BIONIS Network and its first annual conference (Jo Lakeland)
• Swedish Biomimetics 3000® (Lars- Uno Larsson)
• upcoming events, including the Mechanosensors course and 2008 Biologists at the Design Table workshop

E-mail addresses are 'hidden' - see Hints and Tips about contacting any of the authors.

If you have any comments or problems downloading/reading the newsletter, please send me a note using the e-mail link near the top of the right navigator.

December 2007 Newsletter (Issue 5.4)

Download bioinspired_v5.4.pdf (1.1MB)

Welcome to the fourth and final edition of 2007.  This edition contains the second set of articles on the Education Summit hosted in early July by the Biomimicry Institute, including an overview article by Denise DeLuca (Institute Outreach Director) and the preliminary results of the last four working group sessions:

• Access to Experts (John Carmody)
• Developing a Biomimicry Educators Network (Tom McKeag)
• An International Consideration (Jamie Miller)
• Quality Assessment (Rolf Mueller, Norbert Hoeller & Craig Tovey)

In addition, we have articles on:

• The Power of Ants and Bees (Regen Energy and swarm theory)
• Biomimicry's Two Faces for Design (Anne Thorpe)
• the new Biomimicry Institute website
• the 2-Year Certificate Program in Biomimicry (deadline for applications is December 21st)

E-mail addresses are 'hidden' - see Hints and Tips about contacting any of the authors.

If you have any comments or problems downloading/reading the newsletter, please send me a note using the e-mail link near the top of the right navigator.

September 2007 Newsletter (Issue 5.3) - Special "Biomimicry Education Workshop" Issue

Download bioinspired_v5.3.pdf (1MB PDF)

Welcome to the third issue of 2007.  This edition contains the first set of articles on the Education Workshop hosted in early July by the Biomimicry Institute, including overview articles by the Sam Stier and Cindy Gilbert (Directors of Education) and the preliminary results of four working group sessions:

• Biomimicry Education Vision (Tom McKeag, Brent Nelson)
• Biomimicry Information (Denise DeLuca, Outreach Director)
• Biomimicry: A Tool for Engagement in K-12 Education (Hilary Staples, Margot Higgins)
• Master's (equivalent) Certificate in Biomimicry (Dayna Baumeister)

Stay tuned for more information about the Workshop in the last issue of 2007, planned for late November or early December.

E-mail addresses are 'hidden' - see Hints and Tips about contacting any of the authors.

If you have any comments or problems downloading/reading the newsletter, please send me a note using the e-mail link near the top of the right navigator.

June 2007 Newsletter (Issue 5.2)

Download bioinspired_v5.2b.pdf

Welcome to the second issue of 2007, including:

• information on a Biomimicry workshop in Monterrey, Mexico (Denise DeLuca)
• Biomimicry in Sustainable Industrial Design Education (Carlos Montana)
• a posting for a Biomimicry Instructor at CCA (Tom McKeag)
• CO2 Solution and Climate Change (Dr. Sylvie Fradette)
• an update on Institute activities (Denise DeLuca)
• Age Old Ideas for a New Economy (Jeff Blend)

As in the last issue, e-mail addresses are 'hidden' - see Hints and Tips about contacting any of the authors.

If you have any comments or problems downloading/reading the newsletter, please send me a note using the e-mail link near the top of the right navigator.

March 2007 Newsletter (Issue 5.1)

Download bioinspired_v5.1.pdf

Welcome to the first issue of 2007!  We have a number of new contributors:

• Gauthier Chapelle and Raphael Stevens on Biomimicry Europa
• Dorna Schroeter on Re-Connecting with Nature
• Peter Steinberg on the background and history of Biosignal Ltd.
• Brian Cambourne on Biomimicry and Educational Innovation

In addition, Bryony Schwan has provided an update on the Biomimicry Institute and Denise DeLuca writes about the Biomimicry Resource Handbook.  Please note that April 11th is the deadline to register for this year's BaDT Workshop. 

As in the last issue, e-mail addresses are 'hidden' - see Hints and Tips about contacting any of the authors.

If you have any comments or problems downloading/reading the newsletter, please send me a note using the e-mail link near the top of the right navigator.

December 2006 Newsletter (Issue 4.4) - Special "Biologists at the Design Table" Issue

Download bioinspired_v4.4b.pdf

Welcome to the fourth and final issue of 2006!  This issue is primarily about the July 2006 "Biologists at the Design Table" workshop, with articles by Hilary Staples, Ian Clarke, Daron Byerly, Denise DeLuca and Gauthier Chapelle.

We also have an article by Curt McNamara on nurturing study groups, the final installation of "Triggering Self-Assembly of Biomimetic Green Chemistry in Nepal" by Mark Dorfman, and an article by John Mlade on the BioFeedback system and his education database project.  Bryony Schwan  provides details of the 2007 BaDT workshop and Rose Tocke has updated the events calendar. 

If you have any comments or problems downloading/reading the newsletter, please send me a note using the e-mail link near the top of the right navigator.

Note: In an attempt to reduce the incidence of SPAM, e-mail addresses are ‘hidden’ in this issue. To contact an author, please open the newsletter with Adobe Reader and click on the author’s name.

September 2006 Newsletter (Issue 4.3)

Download bioinspired_v4.3.pdf

Welcome to the third issue of 2006!  We have a number of new contributors:

• Dr. Timothy Finnigan, on harnessing the power of ocean waves and tides
• Greg Donoghue, on sustainable agriculture and details of a regeneration project
• Prof. Hugh Bruck, on the University of Maryland mechanical engineering curriculum for bioinspired product and device development
• Ian Abbott-Donnelly, on application of the principles of ecology to organizations

In addition, we have the first installation of "Triggering Self-Assembly of Biomimetic Green Chemistry in Nepal" by Mark Dorfman, a regular contributor.  Professor Bruck has provided a preview of the biological and bio-inspired systems and materials track at SEM 2007.  The events calendar has  been updated, thanks to Rose Tocke.  I am looking for volunteers to help with a "Patterns in Nature" project - you do not need biology experience to apply.  Last, but not least, Rose Tocke has posted three job openings at the Biomimicry Guild.

If you have any comments or problems downloading/reading the newsletter, please send me a note using the e-mail link near the top of the right navigator.

July 2006 Newsletter (Issue 4.2)

Download bioinspired_v4.2.pdf     (0.7 MB)

The quarterly newsletter has a new look and a brand-new name.  BioInspired! was chosen not only to reflect the content, but also to recognize the great work that John Mlade had put into his BioInspire monthly publication.  The new newsletter is going out to a significantly larger distribution list including people who had registered on John's listserver.  John is planning to be a regular contributor.

Contents of this issue:

• greetings from Dayna and Janine
• an overview of the Biomimicry Institute
• pointers to the Clippings, Resources and Events Weblogs
• an update on the 2006 Biomimicry and Design Workshop
• the Biomimicry Spiral Methodology in action
• a new life for BioInspire
• Janine and Catherine's trip to Australia
• the BIONIS Network and Biomimetics 11
• Events calendar
• an update on the upcoming Biologists at the Design Table workshop
• an opportunity to support the Biomimicry Institute

If you have any comments or problems downloading/reading the newsletter, please send me a note using the e-mail link near the top of the right navigator.

March 2006 Newsletter (Issue 4.1)

Greetings from Dayna and Janine, an overview of the Biomimicry Education Team, the Biomimicry Design Spiral, a Biomimicry case study (The PAX Streamlining Principle), Mary Hansel and Biomimicry in a Consulting Engineering Company, announcement of the 'Biologists at the Design Table Workshop', pointers to the public Weblogs (Clippings, Events, Resources, Biomimicry Newsletter), and details of the Biomimicry Design Spiral.

Download biomimicry_newsletter_v4.1.pdf

If you are reading the Newsletter in Adobe Reader (recommended), instead of directly in the browser, you can right-click on the page links in the lower part of page 5 and click on 'Open Link in New Window'.  This will prevent you from losing your place. 

December 2005 Newsletter (Issue 3.3)

Greetings from Janine and Dayna, introduction of Bryony Schwan and Rose Tocke, mission of the Biomimicry Institute, a Biomimicry case study (the story of Entropy at Interface), some statistics on Biomimetics and Biomimicry, Sue Redding's new book, announcement of the 2006 Biomimicry and Design workshop, clippings and events.

Download biomimicry_newsletter_v3.3.pdf

August 2005 Newsletter (Issue 3.2) - Special Costa Rica Workshop Edition

This edition is dedicated to the Biomimicry & Design Workshop held at La Cusinga Lodge (Costa Rica) from April 29 through May 5, 2005. The newsletter includes an article on the location, an overview of the workshop, sub-team project reports, and the regular Members Corner, Clippings and Resources sections. The newsletter also introduces the proposed Biomimicry Weblog system.

Download biomimicry_newsletter_v3.2.pdf

March 2005 Newsletter (Issue 3.1)

Updates on Biomimicry Guild activities, database and Curriculum projects; article on nature's design methodologies; OCAD Biomimetics course; OSC "Agents of Change" initiative. Upcoming Events, Members Corner, clippings and a list of resources.

Download biomimicry_newsletter_v3.1.pdf

December 2004 Newsletter (Issue 2.4)

PAX Streamlining Principle, Biomimicry and the Green Building Industry, The 'How' of Biomimicry, Proposed Survey of Biomimicry Applications, Upcoming Events, clippings and a list of resources.

Download biomimicry_newsletter_v2.4b.pdf

September 2004 Newsletter (Issue 2.3) - Special Gathering III Edition

This edition is dedicated to Biomimicry Gathering III, held at the Blacktail Ranch (Montana) on June 3-6, 2004. The newsletter includes an overview and highlights of the event, and notes on selected breakout sessions. Following the regular Upcoming Events, Clippings and Resources sections, the newsletter closes with Personal Perspectives by Mark Dorfman, and Gathering Thanks by Janine.

Download biomimicry_newsletter_v2.3.pdf

May 2004 Newsletter (Issue 2.2)

Biomimicry and Architecture, Updates on Curriculum and Database Project, Bio-Education, Sustainable Resources 2004 Conference, Jeremy Eddy's story, clippings and a list of resources.

Download biomimicry_newsletter_v2.2.pdf

February 2004 Newsletter (Issue 2.1)

Bioneers 2003, feedback on first issue, Creative Commons recommendation, recent accomplishments, a brief history of TRIZ, upcoming events, Mark Dorfman's story, clippings and a list of resources.

Download biomimicry_newsletter_v2.1.pdf

October 2003 Newsletter (Issue 1.1)

A first edition! Includes greetings from Janine and Dayna, a bunch of questions from the editors, recent accomplishments, updates on the Curriculum and Database projects, upcoming events, a Guild member interview, news clippings and a list of Biomimicry resources.

Download biomimicry_newsletter_v1.1cc.pdf

Hints and Tips

2007/06/21: Why is the newsletter formatted strangely?

The newsletter is formatted for both printing (two-column format) and online reading.  One of the problems with the two-column format is the need to scroll up and down.  To try and minimize scrolling, I try to break long articles with a separator across the middle.  If you have printed the newsletter, read across the top half of the page, then skip over the separator and continue reading across the bottom of the page. 

2007/03/26: How do I contact article authors?

In an attempt to reduce the incidence of SPAM, e-mail addresses are ‘hidden’ in recent issues. To contact an author, please open the newsletter with Adobe Reader and click on the author’s name.

2007/03/26: What is the status of the Mac Preview issue with PDF body text?

Changes have been made to the way that the PDF is created that has resolved the problem for some users.  If you are still experiencing problems with viewing newsletter issues 5.1 and later, please contact me through the e-mail link near the top of the right navigator.

Thanks to Jeanette Russell for helping test the fix!

2006/12/11: Why can I read the headings and images, but the body text is either garbled or displays as little squares?

Some versions of Mac OS Preview (image/PDF viewer) may be incompatible with the way that the PDF is created. Saving the file to disk and opening it with Adobe Reader appears to work (free download from  http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html).

2006/03/27: What do I need to read the newsletter?

The newsletter is in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.  You need Adobe Reader, a free application that can be downloaded from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

2006/03/27: When I click on links within the newsletter, the target page is displayed in the same browser window and I lose track of where I was in the newsletter.  How can I prevent this?

Adobe Reader includes a plug-in for most browsers, downloading and automatically displaying the PDF in the browser window.  However, the plug-in does not allow you to launch links in a new window.  Most browsers allow you to right-click on the link to the newsletter and request that the PDF file be downloaded to your PC ('Save Target As...' in Internet Explorer, 'Save Link As...' in Firefox).  Launching the PDF file from disk (or opening it in Adobe Reader) allows you to have the newsletter visible in Adobe Reader while links open in a separate browser window.

2006/03/27: I am recently getting 'Block/Allow' prompts whenever I click on a web link within the PDF.  How do I stop this behaviour?

This is a new feature of Adobe Reader 7.0.5 (and higher).  You can disable it by:

• clicking on File -> Edit -> Preferences
• selecting 'Trust Manager' in the left navigator
• clicking on the 'Change Site Settings' button
• allow/deny specific sites, and define a 'Default behaviour for other site'

Thanks to Lori DeFurio for this tip. 

2006/03/27: How can I create a comment to a newsletter?

Anyone can post a comment by clicking on the Comments (#) link in the trailer of the post.  You will be prompted for your name and e-mail address.  You do not need a TypeKey/TypePad account, and you can ignore the URL information. 

This information will be displayed in the Weblog.  Many users have set up Yahoo or Hotmail e-mail accounts specifically for public Internet forums, to reduce the impact if the e-mail address is SPAMed.

It may take a day or so for your comment to appear in the Weblog - please be patient.

2006/03/27: What is 'Creative Commons' all about?

Copyright laws were established to protect the interests of people who create content.  Current copyright laws do not provide flexibility in terms of how that content may be used.  Creative Commons was established so that content creators could specify up front how their material can be legally copied, distributed or modified.  For more information, please see the February 2004 Newsletter.

With some exceptions, material in the Biomimicry Newsletter is published under an Attributiion-NonCommercial-ShareAlike licence, allowing others to use the material freely so long as they:

• attribute the author of the material
• do not use it for commercial purposes
• use the same Creative Common licence on any derivative work