Todd Campbell

Biomimetics, or “biological mimicking,” is the study of the structure and function of biological substances, primarily those of animals and insects, as models for human-made materials. In the following viewpoint, Todd Campbell contends that engineers, biologists, and others are learning and mastering the secrets of biological materials and processes to create advanced materials for human applications. Campbell maintains that solving these biological mysteries could amount to a scientific revolution. Campbell has written for Popular Science and Sierra magazines and currently writes for PreText, a Seattle multimedia company.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How is an abalone’s shell superior to advanced ceramics, according to Campbell?
2. In how many years do researchers expect “bio-inspired” materials to be commonplace, according to the author?
3. According to Campbell, how could...