a. Describe what your team designed. A diagram model is used to explain the design’s structure and function. Includes an overall image and more detailed, “zoomed in” images/diagrams of special features.
My group decided to focus on environmentally influenced water borne diseases for out biomimicry design project. Water borne diseases are the world's leading killer, and unclean water plagues 4 out of every 10 people in the world. For our product, we wanted to make an electricity free water filter for third world countries that needs only the gravity and the sun to work. Such a machine would help underprivileged communities have access to clean, safe, chemical free, bacteria free, and parasite free drinking water. Our model would work in four distinct and extremely effective ways. First, there will be a spiraled copper tube that will denature the bacteria through copper ionization. Then, there would be a ceramic filter that will remove the large particles and sediment, and decolorize it. Next, the water will filter through a layer of activated carbon, which will clear out any remaining bacteria or viruses. Finally, the water will be boiled by a solar oven to ensure that it is completely safe to be consumed. The cost of these filter systems are only about 40 dollars each, and cheaper if mass produced.
b. Explains what was “biomimicked” from the natural world (could be an adaptation or a process in nature).
This water filter was “biomimiked” by being based off of the human immune system. Each stage in the human immune system represents a part of the filter and a function. For example, the esophagus, which is biomimiked by the funnel blocking out large particles from entering the system.
c. Explains why that adaptation or process was “biomimicked” - how does that adaptation or process solve the design challenge in nature? Explanation of this includes description of the organism(s) relevant structures and their functions.
The organism relevant to the structure is a human, and the function of the immune system is to prevent sickness. The system people have in place is extremely efficient in many ways, so, by biomimiking the system in place, we hope to improve the way water is filtered in third world countries.
d. Explains at least 2 environmental conditions that selected for the genotype of the chosen organism being biomimicked over time as the organism evolved.
e. Why should your reader consider using your design?
The reader should consider my design because this idea can save lives. This idea does nothing but help people and provide safe and sanitary water to those who are in need. Finally, this design is simple, cost effective, and easy to use. Ultimatily, it will do nothing but good.
f. Acknowledge shortcomings and be honest about parts that have shortcomings.
The only shortcoming my team has is lack of originality. In the beginning, we decided to add the water boiler to our filter because we looked online and seen it hadn't been done before. But, we were told our idea could be more creative and to closely resembles something that theoretically could be out there.
Must cite sources for credit - you can cite sources in APA format, or by turning in your team's research log with your benchmark.
Evolution of the Human Immune System. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.els.net/WileyCDA/ElsArticle/refId-a0020781.html
Janeway, C. A., & J. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27108/
Toro, B. R. (2013). Diagram of the Human Immune System (Infographic). Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.livescience.com/38028-how-the-human-body-s-immune-system-works-infographic.html
My group decided to focus on environmentally influenced water borne diseases for out biomimicry design project. Water borne diseases are the world's leading killer, and unclean water plagues 4 out of every 10 people in the world. For our product, we wanted to make an electricity free water filter for third world countries that needs only the gravity and the sun to work. Such a machine would help underprivileged communities have access to clean, safe, chemical free, bacteria free, and parasite free drinking water. Our model would work in four distinct and extremely effective ways. First, there will be a spiraled copper tube that will denature the bacteria through copper ionization. Then, there would be a ceramic filter that will remove the large particles and sediment, and decolorize it. Next, the water will filter through a layer of activated carbon, which will clear out any remaining bacteria or viruses. Finally, the water will be boiled by a solar oven to ensure that it is completely safe to be consumed. The cost of these filter systems are only about 40 dollars each, and cheaper if mass produced.
b. Explains what was “biomimicked” from the natural world (could be an adaptation or a process in nature).
This water filter was “biomimiked” by being based off of the human immune system. Each stage in the human immune system represents a part of the filter and a function. For example, the esophagus, which is biomimiked by the funnel blocking out large particles from entering the system.
c. Explains why that adaptation or process was “biomimicked” - how does that adaptation or process solve the design challenge in nature? Explanation of this includes description of the organism(s) relevant structures and their functions.
The organism relevant to the structure is a human, and the function of the immune system is to prevent sickness. The system people have in place is extremely efficient in many ways, so, by biomimiking the system in place, we hope to improve the way water is filtered in third world countries.
d. Explains at least 2 environmental conditions that selected for the genotype of the chosen organism being biomimicked over time as the organism evolved.
- The evolution of the human immune system evolved and was made possible by a gene rearrangement.
- The human immune system is constantly evolving and adapting. Parasites and bacteria change to prevent their destruction by antibodies, so, as the diseases change, the immune system must adapt to prevent infiltration.
e. Why should your reader consider using your design?
The reader should consider my design because this idea can save lives. This idea does nothing but help people and provide safe and sanitary water to those who are in need. Finally, this design is simple, cost effective, and easy to use. Ultimatily, it will do nothing but good.
f. Acknowledge shortcomings and be honest about parts that have shortcomings.
The only shortcoming my team has is lack of originality. In the beginning, we decided to add the water boiler to our filter because we looked online and seen it hadn't been done before. But, we were told our idea could be more creative and to closely resembles something that theoretically could be out there.
Must cite sources for credit - you can cite sources in APA format, or by turning in your team's research log with your benchmark.
Evolution of the Human Immune System. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.els.net/WileyCDA/ElsArticle/refId-a0020781.html
Janeway, C. A., & J. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27108/
Toro, B. R. (2013). Diagram of the Human Immune System (Infographic). Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.livescience.com/38028-how-the-human-body-s-immune-system-works-infographic.html