Biologist and natural historian Janine Benyus believes by imitating nature’s best “ideas” we can solve our toughest engineering and design problems. Could we store electricity like an electric eel to build a nontoxic battery? Benyus explains how copying nature’s design is the key to our own sustainability. She calls it Biomimicry — and her passion is infectious. [Produced for PRI‘s “Studio 360“.]

Electric eel (electrophorus electricus) at the New England Aquarium in Boston. © 2006 Steven G. Johnson
Music featured:
- “Instant Gods Out of the Box” – by Arovane
- “Sol” – by To Rococo Rot
- “Are You Ready (For Love)?” – by The Big Sleep