The Mighty Leaf: Peering into the past & engineering a greener future (via UW's Conservation Magazine)

Intriguing photo essay in the University of Washington's outstanding Conservation Magazine: how researchers' study of leaves leads to a better understanding of climate change and new developments in building skins and renewable energy.

"Nanoscale bumps on the surface of the lotus leaf cause water droplets to bead up, gather dirt, and easily roll off the leaf. This water-repelling, self-cleaning strategy has inspired efficient renewable energy technologies. For example, researchers have developed textured coatings—similar to those of the lotus leaf—that can be applied to solar panels to keep them cleaner and running more efficiently. In addition, researchers at General Electric are creating superhydrophobic coatings for wind turbines to prevent ice formation on the blades."

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"Engineers at Royal Philips Electronics in the Netherlands have designed smart building skins that mimic leaf stomata. Much like the manner in which stomata breathe for a plant, these “skins” transport air, water, and light from outside a building—to be used efficiently inside. The “pores” of the building open and close in response to temperature, light, and other external conditions—supplying building inhabitants with filtered air and water as well as natural air conditioning." READ FULL ARTICLE >>

via www.conservationmagazine.org