20130722-NEWS--21-NAT-CCI-CL_--
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THE PERFECT MODEL: NATURE FOTOLIA
SAM DOSHI
The design of Japan’s so-called “bullet” train emulates the beak of the kingfisher, a bird that can dive into water without making a splash. The design allows the train to travel faster, use less energy and make less noise.
Great Lakes Biomimicry pushes companies and schools to embrace ideas inspired by plants, animals By CHUCK SODER csoder@crain.com
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om Tyrrell has had little trouble recruiting people to start stealing all those unpatented ideas Mother Nature has been creating for the past few billion years. Mr. Tyrrell and the rest of his team at Great Lakes Biomimicry have convinced local corporations, foundations and colleges that the natural
world is full of ideas worth copying. Now those parties are taking steps to support Great Lakes Biomimicry and its mission: To make sure that people all over Northeast Ohio — be they researchers, business executives or students — take cues from the most prolific inventor in history. So much so that biomimicry becomes part of Northeast Ohio’s culture.
FLATS FORWARD Nonprofit composed of various stakeholders ready to steer area in new direction ■ Page 3
Entire contents © 2013 by Crain Communications Inc. Vol. 34, No. 29