When pine cones fall from the trees, their scales open, allowing the seeds to be released. This is because these scales are made of two layers of fibers acting in different directions. Stealing this idea from nature, a team of U.K. researchers has designed a new material to make 'smart' clothing which adapts itself to changing temperatures. Like the scales of pine codes, this 'smart' material has two layers. The top one has small spikes, which open or close to let the outside air flow to cool you or to protect you. And as the second layer is waterproof, you should always feel comfortable wearing these clothes imitating nature. Prototypes will be shown next year at EXPO 2005, in Aichi, Japan. And you should be able to buy this kind of 'smart' clothes in a few years from now.

Here is a schematic representation of this new type of 'smart' clothing. When the outside temperature falls, the spikes close and the outside air is blocked. And when you get hot, the spikes open to let the outside air cool you. (Credit: University of Bath's Centre for Biomimetics)

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