God is the great engineer. When we study His creation to build new things, we are practicing something called biomimicry. Do you recognize the two little parts in that big word? Bio means life. Mimic means copy. We copy life designs God thought of first. Here are a few ways:

Velcro. In 1948, Swiss engineer George de Mestral went for a hike with his dog. They returned with burrs clinging to them. Mr. de Mestral studied the design of the burr hooks that so easily clung to clothing and fur. After experimenting for years, he invented Velcro. The name is taken from a combination of French words meaning “velvet” and “hooks.”

Cleaner bathrooms, quicker boats. Sharks can move through water without getting algae and other creatures stuck to them. Scientists found out how: Sharkskin is covered with microscopic patterns called denticles. Scientists copied this idea. They applied their “skin” (called riblets) to sailboats and windmills to make them more efficient. The denticles reduce the drag of moving through the water and air. The same kind of technology is used in public bathrooms, kitchens, and hospitals. The tiny structures make it harder for bacteria to stick to surfaces like sinks and doorknobs.

Gecko climbing feet. Did you know geckos have hairy toes? And we mean really hairy. The millions of microscopic hairs on the bottoms of gecko feet give them the super-grip that lets them walk up walls. People wanted that ability too. Scientists built climbing pads with tiny adhesives like the ones on gecko feet. The pads do not feel gluey if you touch them. But if you place them on a glass wall, they will stick. They will support you while you climb too. They will have you feeling like Spiderman—or Geckoman—in no time!