Biomimetics is the science of mimicing phenomena that appear in nature. The image at the top of this post is one of the most famous examples of this – velcro is based on the burrs of burdock that attached themselves to the inventor’s dog.

National Geographic has a fantastic story on biomimetics.

The Gecko has an amazing ability to grip to different surfaces, even glass, by using millions of miniscule bristles on its feet.

That technology has now been adapted to make better plasters that could even replace surgical stitches and staples.