NATURAL TECHONOLOGY #3: Antifreeze
The concept behind antifreeze too is stirred by nature. It all started after studying Channichyidae or the icefish commonly found in freezing Antarctic waters where temperatures can reach -1.8C.
The icefish survives in such conditions due to the presence of 'antifreeze' glycoprotein inside its blood that prevents freezing of blood and hence keep the fish warm.
Glycoprotein glues to ice particles in the blood and restricts the formation of any additional ice crystals and is 300 times more effective than the commercial antifreeze. Also, absence of hemoglobin, that makes the blood viscous at low temperatures, enables icefish to keep its 'cool'. Researchers are using the same concept through the widespread use of glycoprotein to help protect foods from freezer burn.
Some plants too have natural antifreeze to survive winter's wrath.
Thanks: Leto
