A Japanese company, Toyo Aluminium K.K., manufactured the material called “Toyal Lotus.” As the product name suggests, the researchers had an insight into lotus leaves that were growing in a pond of the company’s factory. Lotus leaves have an uneven surface, shedding water and remaining dry, and they foresaw that those features would contribute to the development of the package.

Nonetheless, the primary function of the lid, which is to adhere and seal the cup, was a point of vital importance, and another function, which repels the yogurt, is a different role, thereby spending more time studying various phases of the problem.

One of the popular yogurt companies in Japan cooperated with Toyo Aluminium K.K., and the company produced yogurt using “Toyal Lotus” for the lid in 2011. After that, other yogurt companies gradually adopted this invention.

This technology has been used not only in the food industry but also in the waterproof field, such as a water-repellent spray, umbrellas, raincoats, and even touch-screen devices! This material will be used in a ketchup container in the future; thus, it will not be a fraction of the time to find other products that use "Toyal Lotus."

The growth of the world's technology is intertwined with biologically vital factors between nature and us humans. I'm particularly interested in things that are fraction of modern technology that don't require energy, used to fulfill a need such as appliances because they are designed to solve a problem or make our lives easier. Although there are various biomimetic technologies, I believe that simply mimicking the mechanisms of nature is insufficient to prevent issues such as global warming and reduce environmental impact. Hopefully, I would like to be an investor in funding such a green technology manufacturing company. 

I will expect the next generation technology based on fantasy, a world where many ideas exist.

Blue morphos go through metamorphosis just like other butterflies. Metamorphosis is a biological life cycle with four phases. The developmental stages are: the egg, the larva, the pupa, and the adult. I think the blue morpho is lovely because it looks like something you would see in a fantasy movie. They are pretty, but you still have to be careful around them. For example, these butterflies are poisonous, but they are only poisonous if you eat them. Their toxic nature is vital to their survival against predators. Female morpho butterflies have also adapted to look brown or yellow instead of light blue. Thereby, making it easier for them to hide in the forest so they can safely lay their eggs. 

Humans are another threat for blue morphos. For example, some humans try to capture blue morpho butterflies so they can use their wings to manufacture jewelry. Deforestation is dangerous because it takes away food and shelter for the butterflies. If deforestation continues, experts foresee that blue morpho butterflies will become endangered. 

Scientists also study blue morpho butterflies to gain insight into how their wings naturally reflect light. This knowledge is helpful for making new technological devices like color displays for cell phones. Researchers have also studied their butterfly wings to help create new solar cell appliances.