Biomimetics: Future Target Industry

Also known as Bionics, engineers are increasingly taking a leaf out of nature's book when looking for solutions to design problems. More from the Economist here. (Subscription required.)

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From Wikipedia: Biomimetics is a short form of Biomechanics - from the Greek word "bios" - pronounced "vios" - which means life, and the word mechanics) is the application of methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of engineering systems and modern technology.

This technology transfer is desirable because evolutionary pressure typically forces natural systems to become highly optimized and efficient. A classical example is the development of dirt- and water-repellent paint (coating) from the observation that the surface of the lotus flower plant is practically unsticky for anything (lotus effect). Examples of bionics results in engineering include hulls of boats imitating the skin membrane of dolphins, sonar, radar, and medical ultrasound imaging imitating echolocation of bats.

Is this an industry that could take some roots in your area in the future? It's worth a look.