Observation:
Environmental pollution has been a major issue which is detrimental to living organisms, ecosystem and the earth yet it has not been addressed appropriately. Sources of pollution may come from development in technology indirectly such as industrial wastes, side products of manufacturing, war, and so on. Given the robust technology, economy is able to boost without difficulty. However, this technological development has resulted in pollution indirectly. As such, there is an undeniable relationship among economy, technology development and environment. This raises a question: Will economy boost without progression in technology? Let’s assume no, and then are we able to mitigate pollution? The answer is obviously no. Moreover, in today’s context, technology is changing every 3 to 4 years. In this sense, we have to find other ways to reduce pollution because advancement in technology is inevitable. There are a lot of green measures that are being carried out nowadays such as recycling. However, it is still inadequate to address this issue. One of possible solutions to this issue may be biomimicry. Biomimicry is the study of new discipline that studies nature's best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. In biomimicry, we look at nature as model, measure, and mentor. For example, we could mimic absorption of carbon dioxide by plants by producing polycarbonate using carbon dioxide. Polycarbonate can then be used to replace plastics in various areas of usage. Furthermore, polycarbonate is biodegradable and thus reduces pollution to our environment. But how effective is biomimicry?
Environmental pollution has been a major issue which is detrimental to living organisms, ecosystem and the earth yet it has not been addressed appropriately. Sources of pollution may come from development in technology indirectly such as industrial wastes, side products of manufacturing, war, and so on. Given the robust technology, economy is able to boost without difficulty. However, this technological development has resulted in pollution indirectly. As such, there is an undeniable relationship among economy, technology development and environment. This raises a question: Will economy boost without progression in technology? Let’s assume no, and then are we able to mitigate pollution? The answer is obviously no. Moreover, in today’s context, technology is changing every 3 to 4 years. In this sense, we have to find other ways to reduce pollution because advancement in technology is inevitable. There are a lot of green measures that are being carried out nowadays such as recycling. However, it is still inadequate to address this issue. One of possible solutions to this issue may be biomimicry. Biomimicry is the study of new discipline that studies nature's best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. In biomimicry, we look at nature as model, measure, and mentor. For example, we could mimic absorption of carbon dioxide by plants by producing polycarbonate using carbon dioxide. Polycarbonate can then be used to replace plastics in various areas of usage. Furthermore, polycarbonate is biodegradable and thus reduces pollution to our environment. But how effective is biomimicry?
General research questions:
1. Will most of current research projects in Singapore lead to pollution?
2. Will biomimicry effectively reduce pollution?
3. How does biomimicry help to reduce pollution?
4. Has government in Singapore been encouraging and implementing biomimicry in research centers and institutions?
5. Is biomimicry sustainable? What other factors do we have to compromise in order to achieve biomimicry in real world?
6. Is there any company implementing biomimcry in Singapore?
Hypothesis:
Biomimicry is the solution to mitigate pollution in today’s context.
Problem Statement:
The objective of this research study is to analyze whether biomimicry can effectively reduce pollution to our environment and whether Singapore has adopted biomimicry approach in research centres or institutes.
Purpose Statement:
The objective of this report is to inform researchers, scientists and Singapore government the current status in research and increase public awareness that biomimicry serve as a guide in research so as to achieve our global goal of saving our earth.
Purpose of survey:
Survey has to be carried out among researchers and scientists working in Singapore research centers such as A-Star to find out numbers of research projects which are related to biomimicry. Survey can also be carried out among NUS science students to find out their responce and acknowledge them about biomimicry so that this could serve as a guide and direction for them in explore in future research.
Interesting websites to check out more about biomimicry:
7 comments:
Suggestion: It would be good if you could state clearly reasons why an attitudinal survey is needed to study biomimicry. Also, how about surveying the NUS population too?
Hi carolyn,
Biomimcry is a rather interesting research topic. Technology advancement has benefited us in many ways. However, at the same time, it has also brought about many environmental problems. In my opinion, the first research question: “Will most of current research projects in Singapore lead to pollution?” will be a good research question. This research question allows us to alert those around us and the relevant authorities about the pollution problems that research projects are causing and biomimcry can be one of the solutions that we could propose to solve these environmental problems.
wow...this area of studies has given mimicry a whole new meaning. We have been taking alot of things from nature and I suppose this is a right time to return the favor. I feel one of your topic is quite apt "Will biomimicry effectively reduce pollution?"
Its good that we try to weight out the pros and cons of an area before plunging straight into in. As important as the area of biomimicry is, it is also crucial that we find out if this idea is feasible.
This is a fascinating topic, or topics. Actually, you have gone a bit overboard with the number of general research questions. (I wonder if you did the skill builder for this section.) It would be better to state one, and it would be advisable to relate that to a particular survey population and their views on, say, biomimicry.
Your discussion needs to be more focused. Let's discuss this.
Hello Carolyn,
As a bio-inspired design consultant, I am very interested in your research. Is this for a Master's thesis? I'd like to learn more about your background. Is this blog the best way to follow your research progress?
Best,
Taryn Mead
Biologist at the Design Table
Biomimicry Guild
Helena, MT USA
Hi, Taryn, I am sorry for late reply. I appreciate your interest in my project. As we work in team, my team has decided to work on other topics even though I thought this is a very interesting topic too. I am an undergraduate student in NUS. We are doing this project for a module.
:)
Thanks for reminder, Sharon. I will add in.
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