Blink:

Centuries before AI’s existence, eminent scientist Sir Isaac Newton experienced an eureka moment in an apple orchard. Consequently, he formulated the laws of gravity/motion, considered the most influential work of the Scientific Revolution. As society becomes more dependent on AI for scientific solutions, will future generations experience eureka moments?

Read On:

Absolutely! To support my answer, I am going revisit a unique process of innovation called biomimicry which I first posted about back in 2019. In addition, I am going to share a new example which piqued my interest as a potential solution to filter microplastics. Note: “Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies.” – Biomimicry Institute

Microplastic pollution has evolved into a major environmental problem. Our clothing and washing machines are a leading source of the problem. It has been analyzed 1.5 million micro fibers can be released from a synthetic garment during a wash cycle. The amount will vary by fabric, detergent type, water temperature, and length of the wash cycle. Further compounding        the problem is the fact worldwide consumer purchasing of washing machines is growing and now exceeds an estimated 1.1 billion units.                

The eureka happened in a laundry room at Case Western Reserve university in Cleveland, Ohio between a group of engineering students concerned about microfibers flowing into waterways via washing machines. Their initial attempts designing a microfiber filter encompassed several materials including mesh and duct tape (got to love it!). After observing the debris captured in the washer water hose, they realized the need to build a filter. One member suggested they conduct fish biology research about species which filter water naturally and came up with mantra rays and basking sharks, The structure of their mouths and gills created vortices, specifically the physics of filtering food (plankton) from water. They patented the breakthrough engineering technology, called it Vortx, which is incorporated in a disposable pod placed on a washing machine.          

Despite their utilizing the unique process of biomimicry to design a creative solution which captures 90 percent of the microplastics released in a typical wash cycle, there are other microplastic solutions on the market – coils, mesh screens, enzymes, and sound waves. Better yet, globally some countries are beginning to pursue legislation to mandate the integration of microplastic filters in washing machines manufactured in the future. In the U.S., New Jersey, Oregon, and Illinois have taken the initiative to introduce legislation in the Senate and House.              

Back to my original query: as society becomes more dependent on AI for scientific solutions, will future generations experience non-AI driven eureka moments? Hopefully I have simplified the process of biomimicry utilized by innovators studying “Mother Nature” which will generate the break through eureka moments we need to reverse the slippery slope we have created as it relates to our environment. In closing, I am going to reference a great quote from the tech icon Steven Jobs I shared in my original 2019 biomimicry post:

“I think the biggest innovations of the 21^st century will be at the intersection of biology and technology. A new era is beginning” – Steven Jobs