Daily Devotional – July 24

Design

Ships traversing the ocean have to be regularly cleaned of barnacles, or they lose significant streamlining and efficiency. Even many whales can be seen with barnacles clinging to their skin for a free ride. As a matter of fact, the vast majority of whale species have barnacles clinging to their skin, and each of these whales are home to their own specific species of barnacle. Yet, the pilot whale is barnacle-free. Why don’t barnacles cling to pilot whales?

It’s all in the skin; tiny nanostructures on a Pilot whale’s skin inhibit barnacle larvae from attaching. These “nano-ridges” are microscopic pores that ooze a parasite-resistant gel to keep the barnacles from attaching. Marine researchers are trying to copy the whale’s skin so that it can be painted onto ship hulls. Here is yet another invention derived by “thinking God’s thoughts” and copying the Master Designer’s handiwork!

Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done.…

~ Psalm 40:5

Source: "Pearls in Paradise" by authors Bruce Malone and Jule Von Vett

References for this devotional.