Velcro Wonder

Velcro, an invention that we have probably all used, is an inspiration from nature, called bionics. The hook-and-loop fastener was conceived in 1941 by Swiss engineer, Georges de Mestral.

Seed of burdock

The idea came to him one day after returning from hunting. He examined the seeds of burdock that kept sticking to his clothes and his dog's fur. On examining them under a microscope, he noted they had hundreds of hooks that caught on anything with loops.  If he could duplicate the hooks and loops he would be able to bind two materials repeatedly in a simple fashion. It was a eureka moment for him.

Velcro

Unfortunately people refused to take him and the idea seriously and it took him ten years to create a mechanised process that worked to produce Velcro.

Even then there was still resistance to its use. The fabric got its first break when it was used to help astronauts in and out of bulky space suits. Skiers costumes, scuba and marine gear followed soon after. By now it is in everyday use.

The original seed hooks of his inspiration were indiscriminate in the objects that they clung to and therefore were only one half of the attachment process.

 However there is an even more amazing example of Velcro in nature, a hook and eye system.

Microscope view

The cremaster and silk pad of the monarch chrysalis.

Cremaster enlargement

The cremaster and silk pad of the monarch chrysalis are so incredibly similar to man-made Velcro, that you could almost think that they are the copy.

It is inconceivable that such a mechanism could ever develop on its own by small changes (mutations) and selection. If it does not happen correctly, the first time, there will be nothing to select from.

Velcro had a designer, and the monarch chrysalis had one too.

To The Conclusion

Photo Credits:  Velcro and seed  Wikipedia

                         Cremaster enlargement Photomacrograhy.net