GECKO GLUE

BY PHILIP FINE A CANADIAN professor wants to know what makes the gecko stick to surfaces, research that will be used to promote the creation of artificial glues. In a series of experiments, University of Calgary's Anthony Russell will try to capture the first close-up high-speed video footage of these reptiles' footfalls, in order to see their unique stick-and-release dry adhesive system in action. Unlike tree frogs and many insects that use some form of sticky secretion to get a grip, geckos are dry danglers. Their fan-shaped feet enable them to get traction on ...


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