大象传媒

Scientist Veronika Kapsali presents her research into pinecones. Pinecones demonstrate nature鈥檚 ability to create change with zero to minimal energy input. In this instance the cone has died but the opening and closing of the bract still happens due to the changing moisture levels in the environment. Kapsali shows how the different wood tissue in the bract of the pinecone reacts differently to moisture. This creates the opening or closing of the pinecone. Kapsali has developed a fabric that reacts in the same way by combining two fibres; hydrophobic polymers and hydrophilic polymers. This could potentially be used for sporting and other clothing, it would cool the user when required. A demonstration with card shows how a pinecone bract opens and closes.