Publication Focus
Sustainable Innovations Using Inspirations From Nature To Solve Real-World Problems
This journal aims to empower youth and communities to create positive change in the world through nature-inspired innovations.
Global impact:
Learn how these young innovators have addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity and the environment.
Cutting-edge interdisciplinary research:
Explore the original research articles and capstone projects produced by the students after conducting rigorous scientific investigations.
Nature-inspired solutions:
Discover how these young innovators learned from nature's strategies and applied biomimicry and green chemistry principles to design solutions using the best practices of industrial design.
Comprehensive Thinking Process:
To avoid unforeseen consequences, responsible innovation requires considering all aspects of the solution from the start. The “Whole Systems Design Thinking” approach was used to design these solutions, which aims to combine social, economic and environmental factors, interrelationships, and phenomena into a holistic design solution.
Brine Bricks – A Biomimicry and Green Chemistry based solution for Desalination Brine Disposal
Amita Gowda, Grade 11
Due to severe droughts, desalination is an important source of freshwater. The problem is that for every 1-liter of fresh water produced, 1.5-liters of brine is also produced. The challenges incurred in brine disposal, prohibits the expansion of desalination plants. So, my question was, how to safely process and recycle brine, instead of dumping it into the environment? I explored various brine disposal technologies and found that Thermal-based Zero-Liquid-Discharge treatment had comparatively fewer side-effects. I decided to use Biomimicry to further improvise this method. I mimicked the Himalayan Salt Mountain, which had many minerals in it. I also learned that Himalayan salt tiles/bricks are currently being used in constructions. My hypothesis was, “If the salt along with the mineral impurities in the brine is first crystallized, then it can be hardened to form bricks.” My experimentation with household materials, showed that the recrystallized salt with added mineral did not hold strong, so I explored the addition of other compounds to speed up the hardening process. I adopted Green Chemistry principles and tested starch. The coagulation happened without any additional energy and just used water as a solvent, and also the hardening process consumed 50% less heat energy. I now had an effective biomimicry and green chemistry-based brine rock creation process! In order to eliminate any environmental impacts, I designed a Crystallization Tray to ensure the whole process takes place in a well contained and controlled container. Solving the brine disposal issue will enable desalination plants to produce more usable freshwater.
Read the Research Article
Pathogen Resistant and Elimination Surface
Pranav Akella, Grade 11
This research article addresses the issue of surface-acquired infections. Currently, high-use surfaces accrue numerous harmful pathogens, which then are transmitted to and infect thousands of people every year. Current solutions address parts of the problem, but are riddled with flaws that make them either ineffective or unviable, such as not considering human error, cost, and difficult means of implementation. This research article presents a solution that not only is effective but also eliminates many of these flaws. The solution implements nature’s methods of pathogen resistance through the utilization of nanopillars and electric current. Through these methods, it is able to ensure a surface stays virtually pathogen-free, while also being easy to implement and easy to maintain. This solution can ensure high-use surfaces stay pathogen-free with minimal effort and maintenance and can help eradicate surface-acquired infections for good.
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Biomimetic Hydrostatic Soil Drilling: A Sustainable Tilling Approach
Vishwak Reddy Etikela, Grade 10
The global rise in food demand is pushing many farmers towards practices that put soil health at risk. Experts predict that global food production needs to grow by at least 70% by the year 2050 to properly supply the estimated population of 9.8 billion people. The escalating demand for food production necessitates sustainable agricultural practices that preserve soil health. Conventional tillage methods contribute to soil degradation, compaction, and reduced microbial activity, compromising long-term productivity. Inspired by the natural burrowing mechanisms of earthworms, this study introduces Biomimetic Hydrostatic Soil Drilling, a novel approach to tillage that mitigates soil disruption while enhancing soil structure. The proposed system, engineered for large-scale farming, integrates low-disturbance seedbed preparation with compaction alleviation in a single pass, fostering efficient soil aeration and microbial enrichment. Its hydrostatic drilling mechanism minimizes energy consumption and maintenance requirements, offering an economically viable solution for conservation tillage. By promoting sustainability, improved soil health, and increased agricultural efficiency, this biomimetic tillage tool presents a transformative alternative to traditional methods, addressing the global challenge of soil degradation while supporting long-term food security.
Read the Research ArticleUrban Heat Island Reduction: Enhancing Health, Energy Efficiency, Local Economies, and Ecosystems
Saniha Dogganahalli, Grade 12, American High School, Fremont, CA
This project investigates strategies to mitigate urban heat islands and their direct and indirect impacts on human health, energy consumption, and the local economy. By emulating nature’s canopy and promoting urban vegetation, the project aims to reduce the extent of heat islands, foster climate change adaptation, and enhance local ecosystems. The hypothesis is that these strategies will lower energy consumption in surrounding buildings, encourage outdoor activities in shopping areas even during hot days—thereby improving mental and physical health—and support local businesses.
Read the Capstone ProjectUrban Organic Growers Alliance – United effort to cultivate and distribute fresh organic produce
Francisco Angel – Grade 10, Newark Memorial High School, Newark, CA
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Amita Gowda, Freshman, College of Engineering, Santa Clara University, CA
This project seeks to explore how we can increase the local cultivation of diverse grains, fruits, and vegetables to reduce costs and make fresh, healthy food more affordable and accessible year-round. By encouraging and supporting community gardens, utilizing open concrete spaces, and promoting backyard growers, we seek to foster active participation and sustainable growing practices inspired by natural ecosystems. Our hypothesis is that these efforts will lead to soil regeneration and the implementation of innovative soil-less growing methods, enabling the year-round cultivation of diverse crop varieties. This approach not only helps maintain lower costs but also maximizes the nutritional value of the produce, ensuring equitable access to healthy food for all urban residents.
Read the Capstone Project