Designed by Nature

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BLUE PETER BOOK AWARDS 2022 An international best-seller, translated into over 25 languages Often human scientists try and solve a problem or invent a new tool and they realise that animals have already invented it for them. In this book you will meet the animal inventors who have shared their super inventing powers to make amazing things for humans. We have invented ways of solving problems, making unbelievable materials, ways of getting around and working out how to survive on our own for millions of years. Sometimes when a human inventor gets stuck, they come to the animal kingdom to see if we can help them out. In this book you will meet the crème de la crème of animal innovators who have created or are in the process of inventing things that people use every day. Meet the shark who invented a pair of swimming shorts so fast, they were banned from the Olympic games. And meet the snail who has invented a house that stays cool inside even in the desert.

Spider silk is one of the strongest materials in nature. Scientists have modified silkworms to create spider silk for use in clothing. Find out more in Clothing, a title in the Designed by Nature series. Designed by Nature is a series of AV2 media enhanced books. A unique book code printed on page 2 unlocks multimedia content. These books come alive with video, audio, weblinks, slideshows, activities, hands-on experiments, and much more.

RoboBee is an insect-shaped robot with a wingspan of 1.2 inches (3.0 centimeters). When it flies, its wings beat 120 times each second. Find out more in Robots, a title in the Designed by Nature series. Designed by Nature is a series of AV2 media enhanced books. A unique book code printed on page 2 unlocks multimedia content. These books come alive with video, audio, weblinks, slideshows, activities, hands-on experiments, and much more.

The noses of bullet trains in Japan are shaped like kingfisher beaks. They help the train move both quietly and efficiently when traveling at high speeds. Find out more in Transportation Technology, a title in the Designed by Nature series.Designed by Nature is a series of AV2 media enhanced books. A unique book code printed on page 2 unlocks multimedia content. These books come alive with video, audio, weblinks, slideshows, activities, hands-on experiments, and much more.

Tiny hairs on a gecko's foot allow it to cling to walls. In 2008, scientists created surgical tape based on gecko feet to help hold wounds together. Find out more in Medical Technology, a title in the Designed by Nature series. Designed by Nature is a series of AV2 media enhanced books. A unique book code printed on page 2 unlocks multimedia content. These books come alive with video, audio, weblinks, slideshows, activities, hands-on experiments, and much more.

Ridges on humpback whale fins help them move through the water more easily. By adding these ridges to windmills, people can make more energy with less wind. Find out more in Energy Technology, a title in the Designed by Nature series. Designed by Nature is a series of AV2 media enhanced books. A unique book code printed on page 2 unlocks multimedia content. These books come alive with video, audio, weblinks, slideshows, activities, hands-on experiments, and much more.

Birds are able to see the ultraviolet light reflected by spider webs. By using a similar coating in skyscrapers, people can help stop birds from crashing into them. Find out more in Everyday Inventions, a title in the Designed by Nature series. Designed by Nature is a series of AV2 media enhanced books. A unique book code printed on page 2 unlocks multimedia content. These books come alive with video, audio, weblinks, slideshows, activities, hands-on experiments, and much more.