Tough But Sensitive
When it comes to engineering ingenuity, nature undoubtedly has a huge lead over humans. Now, scientists are learning to mimic some of the marvels of natural materials such as skin, cotton, shells, rubber, ivory and silk.
Our outer covering of skin, for example, is sensitive to pain and temperature, because it’s embedded with many delicate sensors called nerves. NASA scientists are trying to mimic some of the advantages of skin. They’re striving to develop tough exterior shells for aircraft and spacecraft which also have the sensitivity to respond to changes and detect signs of danger.
Attempts are being made to embed optical fibres and a variety of electronic sensors into an aircraft’s outer covering. Changes in the light passing through these optical fibres would indicate undesirable alterations in the skin. The hope is that aircraft rigged with these sensors could detect cracks, unusual strains, increased porosity and other flaws, which might eventually lead to a catastrophe if neglected.
The idea is to develop spacecraft and planes with a skin that mimics ours in its ability to sense changes in temperature, pressure, wind speed, as well as any internal strains. The next step is to automatically compensate for these changes.
So next time you marvel at nature’s materials, think how we might learn to copy them.
Skin is wonderful. It offers us protection from the elements: keeping us cool by radiation and convection in the summer, and warming us in those chilly temperatures through the mechanism of shivering. Skin has sensors for pain as well as pleasure. Nerve receptors in the skin can also sense the pressure of a stone in one’s shoes or a tap on the shoulder.
Without the ability to sense pain or temperature or pressure we would be vulnerable indeed. We wouldn’t be alerted to either a caress or an injury. Our life is enriched and safeguarded by the sensitivity of our skin.
Sometimes we talk of people being thin-skinned or thick-skinned. Of course this has nothing to do with actual depth in millimetres! More specifically, it refers to sensitivity or insensitivity within the context of social situations. And of course we tend to compare others’ reactions to our own standard of normal (i.e. ourselves)!
Genetic predisposition and behaviour learned through experience and observation all contribute to our sensitivities. Because of this we are each a unique blend of ingredients. It is an interesting and oft times profitable pursuit to try to understand why people are reacting to a certain situation in a particular way. It not only contributes to developing a better sense of the other person, it also may inform us with a new perspective on the situation.
A sentence which begins with “Please help me to understand...” can encourage a new level of confidence because it gives space for open communication.
One thing I value in my friendships is that they give me feedback. They correct erroneous thinking and challenge me on my actions and reactions. This is not usually a heavy handed session, but occurs in the course of natural conversation and interaction. Friends help us to test reality. Is this really the way it is? Did I overreact in that situation? How would you have handled this experience?
Of course, it becomes necessary to choose one’s friends wisely in order to get the kind of feedback which is both accurate and helpful. We need to count on their good perceptions, good advice and their sincere interest in helping us to grow in character. Today, consider the influence of your friends. The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Dr. David Humphreys and Debbie Hughes
© August 2004
