A discussion is provided of the science of biomimicry, which has spawned 21st century inventions from designs that were fine-tuned by billions of years of evolution. For instance, a Bell Labs researcher wants to replicate the structure of brittle star, a relative of the sea urchin with five arms that are covered with thousands of microscopic lenses. The structure could be used in development of faster fiber-optic networks and could replace lithographic masks used to etch microchips. Another potential source of inspiration for new technology is the shell of the abalone, which consists of layers of minute calcium carbonate plates that comprise the mother of pearl interior and slide over each other to absorb any blows. Lotus leaves also can stay clean in muddy waters because they are covered by microscopic waxy bums that repel direct, and the effect is being imitated for ski apparel. Many biomimicry projects are speculative efforts, and they require large investments that can be made only by government, universities, and large corporations. Biomimicry requires that nature be investigated at the molecular level, and inventors have investigated such natural phenomena as spidersilk, goats milk, the Pacific blue mussel, and seaweed. Researchers are examining natural processes to synthesize biodegradable plastics, including one developed at Cornell University based on a Zinc-based catalyst, carbon dioxide, and a liquid derived from orange peels.