How Mother Nature Became the Inspiration Behind Velcro

Before the middle of 20th century, people lived in a Velcro-less world where zippers were standard and shoes had to be laced. All that changed though on one lovely summer day in 1941 when an amateur mountaineer and inventor named  George de Mestral  decided to take his dog for a nature hike. De Mestral and his faithful companion both returned home covered with burrs, the plant seed-sacs that clung to animal fur as a way to spread to fertile new planting grounds. He noticed his dog was covered in the stuff. De Mestral was a Swiss engineer who was naturally curious so he took a sample of the many burrs stuck to his pants and placed them under his microscope to see how the properties of the burdock plant allowed it stick to certain surfaces. Perhaps, he thought, they can be used for something useful. Upon closer examination, it was the small hooks that enabled the seed-bearing burr to cling so stubbornly to the tiny loops in the fabric of his pants. It as during this eureka moment that  De Mestral smiled and thought something along the lines of I will design a unique, two-sided fastener, one side with stiff hooks like the burrs and the other side with soft loops like the fabric of my pants. I will call my invention velcro a combination of the word velour and crochet. It will rival the  zipper  in its ability to fasten. De Mestrals idea was met with resistance and even laughter, but the inventor was undeterred. He worked with a weaver from a textile plant in France to perfect a fastener by experimenting with materials that would hook and loop in a similar manner. Through trial and error, he realized that nylon when sewn under infrared light formed tough hooks for the burr side of the fastener. The discovery led to a completed design that he patented in 1955. He would eventually form Velcro Industries to manufacture and distribute his invention. In the 1960s, Velcro fasteners made its way to outer space as Apollo astronauts wore them to keep items like pens and equipment from floating away while in zero-gravity. In time, the product became kind of a household name as companies like Puma used them in shoes to replace laces. Shoe makers Adidas and Reebok would soon follow. During de Mastral’s lifetime, his company sold an average of over 60 million yards of Velcro per year. Not bad for an invention inspired by mother nature. Today you can’t technically buy velcro because the name is the registered trademark for the Velcro Industries product, but you can have all the velcro brand hook and loop fasteners you need. This distinction was done on purpose and illustrates a problem inventors often face. Many words used frequently in everyday language were once trademarks, but eventually become generic terms. Well-known examples include  escalator, thermos, cellophane and nylon. The problem is that once trademarked names becomes commonplace enough, the U.S. Courts can deny exclusive rights to the trademark.

Essay about Darwin’s Dangerous Idea - 679 Words

At the beginning of the 1800s, scientists knew of some kinds of fossils, and were very aware of homologous and vestigial structures. Many scientists suspected that some kind of evolution had given rise to living things around them. However, they had no theory to explain how evolution might have occurred. Two scientists led the way in the search for a mechanism of evolution. The first was Jean Lamarck. The second was one of the greatest figures in biology, Charles Darwin. What is evolution? Evolution is a change in the traits of living organisms over generations. Since the development of modern genetics in the 1940s, evolution has been defined more specifically as a change in the frequency of alleles in a population from one generation†¦show more content†¦Natural selection, together with the rules of inheritance discovered by Gregor Mendel, stand at the basis of modern evolutionary biology. Darwin was the British naturalist who became famous for his theories of evolution and natural selection. Like several scientists before him, Darwin believed all the life on earth evolved over millions of years from a few common ancestors. From 1831 to 1836 Darwin served as naturalist aboard the H.M.S. Beagle on a British science expedition around the world. In South America Darwin found fossils of extinct animals that were similar to modern species. On the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean he noticed many variations among plants and animals of the same general type as those in South America. The expedition visited places around the world, and Darwin studied plants and animals everywhere he went, collecting specimens for further study. Upon his return to London Darwin concluded thorough research of his notes and specimens many ideas. Out of this study grew several related theories: one, evolution did occur, two, evolutionary change was gradual, requiring thousands to millions of years, three, the primary mechanism for evolution was a process called natural selection, and four, the millions of species alive today arose from a single original life form through a branching process called specialization. The movie Darwin’s Dangerous Idea was based on Darwin’s theory of evolution. ItShow MoreRelatedSummary Of The Documentary, Darwins Dangerous Idea 836 Words   |  4 Pagesdocumentary, â€Å"Darwin’s Dangerous Idea† tells the story of Charles Darwin’s conception of his theory of natural selection, and how it explains the evolutionary process and species adaptation. The story begins with a brief overview of his 5-year stint on the HMS Beagle as the ships naturalist, during her South American voyage. The film shows how Mr. Darwin collected fossils and many species of animals and birds from many different regions especially the Galapagos Islands. It portrays Mr. Darwin’s returnRead More Daniel Dennetts Darwins Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life1022 Words   |  5 PagesDaniel Dennetts Darwins Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life Science can give us as good a moral code as any religion. Or so Daniel Dennett claims in his book, Darwins Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life. Dennett provides the tools to explain human morality, and inadvertently leads the way to the conclusion (which he does not share) that science can clarify how human morality came about, but not serve as a substitute or model for moral codes, religious and secularRead MoreThe Aspects Of Darwin s Life851 Words   |  4 Pagesinfluential in Darwin’s life, personal experiences, and beliefs. Darwin came from an Anglican family who strongly adhered to their religion (Mrs. Weiland 1/6/16). Because of religion, several of Darwin’s challenges included unintentionally contradicting his family and friend’s religious views when attempting to explain his theories. Unfortunately, during his time, his â€Å"truly revolutionary ideas† were regarded as â€Å"highly unorthodox, jeopardizing the church and the bibleà ¢â‚¬  (Darwin s Dangerous Idea 2002). Read MoreDarwin’s Theory of Natural Selection and Social Darwinism Essay811 Words   |  4 Pageshave had the opportunity to study them in basic biology. However, Darwins theories of selection and survival of the fittest have been applied to moral, economic, political, and other cultural aspects of society. Dennett briefly touched on some of the political and social ramifications of Darwins theories in the final chapter of Darwins Dangerous Idea. Other philosophers and thinkers have also adapted Darwins evolutionary ideas, in order to apply them in a societal or cultural context. One greatRead MoreCharles Darwin s Impact On The Scientific Community1478 Words   |  6 PagesCharles Darwin is one the most influential scientists in our history. Without his speculation and theories on evolution, the way we look at evolution today may have been very misguided. Darwin created new ideas and theories that dramatically changed the way we see sc ience today. His impact on the scientific community was both exciting yet controversial. Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England on February 12 in the year 1809. His parents were Susannah and Robert Darwin (BBC, 2015). WhileRead More Charles Darwin and the Scientific Revolution Essay1063 Words   |  5 Pagesby natural forces, including the struggle for existence in which the fittest members of a varying population survive, reproduce, and pass on their traits to the next generation.1 The impact that Darwin made in the science field was great since his ideas and theories formed a foundation that todays scientists constantly build on. Darwinss Origin of Species was widly disputed. When he studied the root of humans, his conclusions went against the original widespread beliefs that God hadRead MoreBoth Galileo And Darwin Are Legendary Figures Within Science1425 Words   |  6 Pagesmonumental impact on society during both their respective lives and modern day time. Their discoveries prompted discussion that challenged tradition and old ideas and despite not being appreciated by the entire public at the time, the theories they introduced have had long lasting impacts on our government and society today. Galileo and Darwin’s finding have a significant impact upon modern societal views on essential topics such as, science and ethics in everyday life. Controversial and philosophicalRead MoreEvolution Before Darwin1590 Words   |  7 Pagespatterns that I have observed in ancient creation myths regarding the creation of the world. What once felt like a random bombardment of infinite stories, now feels li ke a handful of calculable stories told by an infinite number of story tellers. Darwins theory of evolution, his creation myth regarding the origin of the world and of species, is not an exception. The theory of evolution is not as innovative as was once thought; in fact, the major observations embodied within the theory of evolutionRead MoreHow Darwin Has A Profound Effect Beyond The World Of Science1396 Words   |  6 Pagesprofound effect beyond the world of science. Through analysis of several elements of pop culture, one can see how their underlying themes are related to Darwin. The impact of Darwin’s principles can be seen in video games, literature, and television. The relevance of Darwin’s work can be observed in video games. For example, Darwin’s theory of natural selection can be applied to the general gameplay of Pokà ©mon FireRed. Darwin states that individuals with variations best suited for the habitat surviveRead More Transcending Evolution: The Human Consciousness, or The Soul1400 Words   |  6 Pages In 1838 Charles Darwin wrote in his journal Man in his arrogance thinks himself a great work worthy the interposition of a deity. More humble and I think truer to consider him created from animals. (Rachels, 1990) Daniel C. Dennett refers to Darwins theory of evolution as a universal acid, a theory so powerful it seeps through every traditional concept and leaves behind a revolutionized world-view, resulting not only in a fundamental shift in the way in which we perceive ourselves as human beings

Diabetes Outline Essay Example For Students

Diabetes Outline Essay Craig R. Kevorkian Bell C Health Seminar January 31, 2001 Diabetes Type 2 1.Insulin in a healthy human body 1.Insulin 1.a pancreatic hormone that helps the body to convert glucose into energy. 2.Effect of Insulin on Protein Synthesis (1)the total quantity of protein in the body is increased by insulin (1)results from three functions of insulin similar to growth hormone (1)increased active transport of amino acid into the cells 1)amino acids- the basic building blocks of proteins (2)accelerated translation of the messenger RNA code by the ribosomes to form increased quantities of proteins 1)Ribosomes- the sites within a cell where protein is manufactured (3)Increased transcription of DNA in the cell nuclei to form increased quantities of RNA, which in turn leads to still further protein synthesis 2.Diabetes Mellitus: An Introduction 1.90% of all diabetics have type 2 diabetes 2.Affects 16 million people in the united states alone, 100 million in the world. 1. Estimated that half of all diabetics are unaware that they have it. 3.Most common disorder of the endocrine system 4.Brought on by disorders in blood levels of insulin. 3.Short- and long-term complications 1. Hypoglycemia 1.A short term effect of diabetes in which the blood sugar is too low 2.Can be easily remedied if symptoms are recognized 2.Ketoacidosis 1.A serious diabetic condition brought on by a lack of insulin 2.Blood becomes increasingly acidic from accumulation of ketone (1)ketone (1)toxic by-products produced by the body as it breaks down fat for energy. 3.Also occurs if the body is starved for sources of energy. 4.Can occur if the body comes under sudden physical stress, illness, or from an accident 5.Warning signs: (1)nausea (2)excessive thirst (3)frequent urination (4)extreme weakness (5)abdominal pains (6)rapid deep breathing (7)loss of appetite (8)reddened and warm skin (9)headache (10)drowsiness (11)fruity-smelling breath (12)restlessness (13)ketone in urine 6.Failure to respond immediately can result in coma or death 3. Diabetes can damage the following 1.Eyes (1)Diabetes accounts for twelve to twenty-four thousand of new cases of blindness annually (2)the leading cause of blindness in patients ages twenty to seventy-four 2.Nervous system (1)Neuropathy (1)decreased or distorted nerve function particularly in the nerves responsible for sensation (2)numbness (3)tingling (4)weakness (5)burning sensations in the extremities (2)if the nerves are damaged, a person may be unaware of minor wounds that have become infected. (3)if diabetes affects the autonomic nervous system, abnormalities of blood pressure control, bowel and bladder function, and sexual function in males may occur. (4)in some cases neuropathy can block warning chest pains for heart disease and heart attacks (5)diabetic patients should be aware of other signs of a heart attack (1)sudden fatigue (2)sweating (3)shortness of breath (4)nausea (5)vomiting 3.Cardiovascular system (1)heart attacks account for 60% of deaths in diabetics (2)strokes account for 25% of deaths in diabetics (3)people with diabetes and no family history for heart disease have the same seven-year risk for heart attacks as a non-diabetic with heart disease. (4)diabetes accelerates the progression of atherosclerosis or blockage of the arteries (1)leads to three major conditions (1)coronary artery disease (2)heart attack (3)stroke (5)people with type 2 diabetes are more likely than the general population to have high triglyceride levels and lower high-density lipoprotein (1)risk factors for heart disease 4.Kidneys (1)kidney damage is a very serious complication of diabetes (2)the risk for kidney damage is compounded by the presence of (1)hypertension (2)coronary artery disease (3)problems in the urinary tract (3)symptoms include (1)swelling in the feet (2)swelling in the ankles (3)fatigue (4)pale skin color 5.Overall resistance to infections 4.People with diabetes are prone to gum problems 5.Prone to yeast infections 4.What Causes Type 2 Diabetes? 1. Causes of Insulin Resistance .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446 , .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446 .postImageUrl , .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446 , .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446:hover , .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446:visited , .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446:active { border:0!important; } .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446:active , .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446 .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uef108195e68568c652a1f66c0b0dc446:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Problems In Intercultural Communication Essay1.Insulin resistance is believed to be caused by elevated levels of three factors. (1)free fatty acids (1)acids in the blood produced by the breakdown of fat (2)leptin (1)a protein produced by fat cells (3)tumor-necrosis factor or TNF (1)a component of the immune system (2)? (4)how each of these factors are involved is under investigation 2.Genetic Factors 1.Impairment of beta cell functions and an abnormal response to insulin are involved. 2. P2 gene (1)appears to be a critical link between obesity and insulin resistance 3.Researchers have identified a link between low birth weight and diabetes type 2. 4.Women have a higher rate of insulin resistance than men. 3.Age 1. Onset typically occurs after age 40 2.Major concern for increase of diabetes type 2 in children possibly due to rising rate of child obesity 4.Obesity 1.Rate of obesity in type 2 diabetics is very high 2.Regardless of family history, even mild weight gain is associated with an increased risk for diabetes. 3. Excess body fat plays a strong role in insulin resistance, but the way its distributed is also important (1)weight concentrated around the abdomen and in the upper part of the body (apple-shaped body) is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. (2)fat that settles around the hips and the flank (pear-shaped body) appears to have lower association with these conditions. 5.Smoking 1.Smokers are at a higher risk .

Stochastic Project Scheduling Simulation free essay sample

To deliver a project by a completion date committed to in a contract, a number of activities need to be carried out. The time that an entire project takes to complete and the activities that determine total project duration are always questionable because of the randomness and stochastic nature of the activities’ durations. Predicting a project completion probability is valuable, particularly at the time of bidding.SPSS finds a longest path in a network and runs the network a number of times specified by the user and calculates the stochastic probability to complete the project in the specified time. SPSS can be used by a contractor (1) to predict the probability to deliver the project in a given time frame, and (2) to assess its capabilities to meet the contractual requirement before bidding. SPSS can also be used by a construction owner to quantify and analyze the risks involved in the schedule.The benefits of the tool to researchers are (1) to solve PERT problems; (2) to complement Monte Carlo simulation by applying the concept of project network modeling and scheduling with probabilistic and stochastic activities via a web based Java Simulation which is operateable over the Internet, and (3) to open a way to compare a project network having different distribution functions. We will write a custom essay sample on Stochastic Project Scheduling Simulation or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Keywords: Critical path method, Monte Carlo method, probability, risk analysis, scheduling, simulation, stochastic models. 1. Ph. D.