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How ticks get a proper foothold

Ticks use specialized pads on their feet to adhere to surfaces, allowing them to walk and search for prey on humans and animals. Their attachment mechanism is reversible and can be folded and unfolded like an accordion.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 19, 2017

Optimization of hemp-ground tire rubber/high density polyethylene composites

Researchers developed hybrid composites using hemp fibers and ground tire rubber to improve interfacial adhesion and balance stiffness and strength. The quality-over-cost ratio was optimized by combining mechanical property data with raw material costs, making the methodology applicable to various systems.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Applied Polymer Science·DateMay 23, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Researchers design coatings to prevent pipeline clogging

A new coating system developed at MIT can effectively prevent the buildup of hydrates in oil and gas pipelines, which can slow or block flow. The system creates a barrier film between water and the pipe wall, keeping hydrates away.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 14, 2017

Surprisingly long lifetime of high adhesion property of plasma-treated PTFE

Researchers at Osaka University report heat-assisted plasma treatment can modify PTFE to improve its adhesive properties, making it suitable for medical procedures. The treatment recovers the surface layer, strengthening the adhesion between PTFE and rubber, allowing for stable and non-toxic lubrication.

SourceOsaka University·JournalRSC Advances·DateApr 12, 2017

Improving silver nanowires for FTCEs with flash light interactions

A Korean research team develops high-performance silver nanowires with strong adhesion using flash light-material interactions. The Ag NWs demonstrate six times higher conductivity than pristine NWs, and their adhesion to substrates is enhanced by 310%.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 4, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Boosting the lifetime and effectiveness of biomedical devices

Researchers have developed an electrografting approach to improve PEDOT adhesion, enabling longer lifespan and better performance of biomedical devices. The breakthrough enhances communication between devices and neural tissue, paving the way for more effective health interventions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2017

Ice is no match for CSU-developed coating

Researchers created an environmentally friendly, inexpensive coating made from PDMS that keeps surfaces ice-free with low ice adhesion strength of 5 kPa. This innovation could replace toxic liquid de-icers used on planes and cars, providing a permanent protective solution.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateNov 17, 2016

Dry adhesive holds in extreme cold, strengthens in extreme heat

Researchers have developed a dry adhesive that bonds in extreme temperatures, offering properties for space exploration and electronics management. The gecko-inspired adhesive maintains strength in liquid nitrogen and molten silver, and even gets stickier with increasing heat.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2016

How gecko feet got sticky

A UC Riverside-led study found that a dwarf gecko's microscopic hairs allow it to cling to smooth surfaces, revealing the origins of gecko adhesion. The research suggests that small modifications can lead to complex adaptations, with implications for nanotechnology and biomimicry.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateOct 6, 2016

Juicy news about cranberries

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth discovered flavonols in cranberry juice significantly reduce E.coli adhesion, which can cause bacterial infections. The findings may lead to new antibiotic drug targets and alternative treatments for 'superbugs'.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalFood & Function·DateJul 19, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

University of Illinois researchers demonstrate tunable wetting and adhesion of graphene

University of Illinois researchers have demonstrated doping-induced tunable wetting and adhesion of graphene, revealing its unique properties. The findings show that graphene can exhibit switchable hydrophobic and hydrophilic behavior, enabling the creation of reusable, self-cleaning sensors with potential energy savings.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 7, 2016

A drop of water as a model for the interplay of adhesion and stiction

Researchers developed an electrically switchable nanomesh that alters the contact angle of a drop of liquid, enabling precise control over adhesion and stiction. This breakthrough has potential applications in biology and technology, including controlling cell movement and flow resistance in capillary pumps.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2016

Shaping drops: Control over stiction and wetting

Researchers have created a surface with switchable wetting and adhesion using a single layer of boron nitride. The surface can be made water-repellent or wettable by applying an electrical voltage, opening up potential applications in daily life and space travel.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

How chameleons capture their prey

Researchers have studied the amazing sticky weapon used by chameleons to capture their prey, revealing that it has a viscosity 400 times larger than human saliva. The combination of tongue morphology and viscous adhesion makes for an efficient adhesive system.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 21, 2016

Potential new therapy could reduce dangerous post-heart-attack inflammation

A new study identified a mechanism behind cardiovascular inflammation after a heart attack and developed a potential strategy to suppress it. The therapy targets molecules that attract immune cells to atherosclerotic plaques, reducing the risk of another heart attack and improving heart function.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016

Switch and stick

Researchers at Max-Planck-Institute for Intelligent Systems have discovered a new reversible adhesive using gallium that can be controlled by temperature changes. The adhesive has potential applications in various fields such as biological samples handling and industrial pick-and-place processes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 19, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Cling-on warriors

A new type of underwater adhesive developed at UCSB replicates the adhesion strategy of the Sandcastle worm, which is robust in wet conditions. The synthetic glue promotes adhesion between various surfaces and is more resistant to cracking due to its porous structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 1, 2016

A sticky breakthrough

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have designed a synthetic material that combines the key functionalities of interfacial mussel foot proteins, creating a single, low-molecular-weight, one-component adhesive. This breakthrough technology demonstrates record-high wet adhesion up to 10 times more effective than previous materials, with app...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

The springy mechanics of large and small gecko toe pad adhesion

Researchers at UMass Amherst found that as geckos become larger, their bodies act like springs, becoming stiffer and enabling them to climb effectively. The team measured the adhesive ability of five species, finding a strong correlation between body size and stiffness.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 2, 2015

Revealed -- Helicobacter pylori's secret weapon

Researchers identified the molecular mechanism behind H. pylori's adhesion protein using powerful x-rays, revealing a specific 'groove' that enables attachment to stomach sugars. This discovery could lead to the development of novel strategies to clear H. pylori from the stomach.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 14, 2015

Dancing with the cells

Researchers discovered that cells in early embryos 'dance' as they compact, a process controlled by cell contraction. The study used new methods to measure forces and tensions within the embryo, revealing that adhesion acts as an anchor rather than an engine of compaction.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 16, 2015

Vitreomacular adhesion patients report improved vision with non-surgical treatment

Patients suffering from symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion experience improved vision after receiving ocriplasmin injections, without undergoing surgical treatment. The non-surgical approach avoids risks and costs associated with surgery, making it an attractive option for preventing blindness.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJun 16, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Penn researchers develop a new type of gecko-like gripper

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new type of gripper that mimics the gecko's ability to grip and release surfaces. The gripper uses a composite structure with a hard plastic core and softer silicone rubber shell, allowing for tunable adhesion.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 15, 2015

Revolutionary discovery could help tackle skin and heart conditions

Scientists at the University of Manchester discovered that desmosomes achieve their strength through flexibility rather than rigidity. This finding has significant implications for understanding diseases such as sudden cardiac death and skin conditions.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2015

Why some geckos lose their ability to stick to surfaces

A UC Riverside study found that geckos without an adhesive system evolved faster in terms of morphology and locomotion. This suggests that losing adaptations can be beneficial for the species, allowing it to occupy a new niche.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2015

Geckos are sticky without effort

Researchers from UC Riverside have discovered that dead geckos can adhere to surfaces with the same force as living geckos, eliminating the need for active control. This finding has significant implications for robotics and other fields where adhesion is crucial.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 3, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Researchers control adhesion of E. coli bacteria

A team of scientists has created a synthetic surface that can control the adhesion of E. coli bacteria using light. By switching on and off specific wavelengths, researchers can reverseorientate carbohydrate structures to influence bacterial bonding.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 2, 2014

Geckos use toe hairs to turn stickiness on/off

Researchers discovered that geckos can turn their toe hairs' stickiness on and off, allowing for speed and energy-efficient climbing. This mechanism is crucial for geckos' survival and enables potential applications in synthetic dry-adhesives for extreme environments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 12, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Innovative strategy to facilitate organ repair

A team of researchers has developed a novel method for repairing soft-tissue organs and tissues using aqueous solutions of nanoparticles. In vivo experiments on rats showed that the method can close deep wounds rapidly without inflammation or necrosis, and successfully repair difficult-to-suture organs such as the liver.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 18, 2014

Sticky business: Magnetic pollen replicas offer multimodal adhesion

Researchers have created magnetic replicas of sunflower pollen grains using a wet chemical process that applies highly conformal iron oxide coatings. The replicas exhibit both short-range van der Waals attraction and long-range magnetic adhesion, offering tailored multimodal adhesion to surfaces.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 21, 2013

Geckos keep firm grip in wet natural habitat

Geckos keep firm grip in wet natural habitat by utilizing hydrophobic surfaces that stick similar to dry surfaces. Researchers developed a synthetic adhesive inspired by the ability of gecko pads to cling to wet and dry surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2013
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

That's the way the droplets adhere

MIT researchers have developed a new method to study droplet adhesion using a modified scanning electron microscope. They found that the angle of a droplet's leading and trailing edges relative to a surface plays a crucial role in determining whether it sticks, and that surface texture on rough surfaces can either improve or worsen adh...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2013

Mussels inspire innovative new adhesive for surgery

A new adhesive, iCMBAs, adheres well in wet environments, has controlled degradability, improved biocompatibility, and lower manufacturing costs. The bioahesives are non-toxic, control inflammation, and can be tailored to degrade over specific periods.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 9, 2013

Adhesion disturbed by noise

Researchers found that adding noise to a micro-textured surface can lower the energy barrier for an object to roll, mimicking gecko feet's adhesive properties. This study could lead to applications in gecko-inspired adhesives, tire adhesion, and digital operations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 17, 2012
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

No more tears from tears

A new quick-release medical tape minimizes skin tissue tearing upon removal, addressing a significant issue in neonatal care. The innovative three-layer design incorporates an anisotropic adhesive interface, allowing for strong adhesion and safe removal.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2012

Tests show that adhesive could improve safety of LASIK eye surgery

Researchers developed a glue mixture that can improve the safety of LASIK eye surgery by reducing the need for cornea transplants. The adhesive, made from fibrinogen and riboflavin, was tested on dogfish sharks and rabbits and found to be effective in keeping the cornea's flap in place.

SourceKansas State University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateAug 27, 2012

Gecko feet hold clues to creating bandages that stick when wet

Researchers at the University of Akron are studying geckos' foot pads to develop a synthetic adhesive that sticks when wet. The team hopes to create materials for surgical procedures and other applications where adhesion is crucial in wet environments.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 9, 2012

Wrinkled surfaces could have widespread applications

The new process creates wrinkled surfaces with precise sizes and patterns, useful for microfluidic systems, sensing and diagnostics, photonic devices, and more. The system produces deterministic two-dimensional patterns of wrinkles without masks or complex printing processes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 1, 2012
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Unexpected adhesion properties of graphene may lead to new nanotechnology devices

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder discovered graphene's surprisingly powerful adhesion qualities, which could guide the development of graphene manufacturing and mechanical devices. The study showed that graphene's extreme flexibility allows it to conform to even the smoothest substrates.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 23, 2011

Scientists reveal new insights into tendon injury

Researchers found a thin layer of epithelial cells on healthy tendons that prevent adhesion formation. Mice with defective cells developed tendon adhesions, highlighting the importance of tissue surface integrity.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2011
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Use of amniotic membrane may cause complications in strabismus surgery

Researchers found extensive adhesions and inelastic muscles after using amniotic membrane to prevent postoperative scarring. The use of dried amniotic membrane, rather than frozen, may be the culprit behind these complications.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateJan 3, 2011

Learning from lizards

Researchers from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois created a square polymer stamp with pyramid-shaped tips to mimic geckos' micro- and nano-filaments. This allows for varying adhesion strength, enabling the transfer and printing of electronics on complex surfaces.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2010
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Cell-cell interactions adapt to the stiffness of the environment

Researchers found that softer surfaces lead to disorganized cytoskeletons, while stiffer surfaces promote larger traction forces and more developed cadherin adhesions. Inhibition of myosin II decreases traction forces and causes cadherin adhesions to disappear.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 16, 2010

New adhesive device could let humans walk on walls

A Cornell University team invented a palm-sized device that uses water surface tension as an adhesive bond, allowing it to stick and unstick to surfaces. The device has potential applications in shoes, gloves, and Post-it-like notes.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2010
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

First adhere, then detach and glide forward

Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital discovered that malaria parasites alternate between phases of rapid gliding and firm adhesion to surface. This 'stick-slip' mechanism enables the parasite to move rapidly over a long time, necessary for successful transmission of the disease.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 23, 2009

Sucker-footed bats don't use suction after all

Researchers discovered that sucker-footed bats of Madagascar use wet adhesion to attach themselves to surfaces, ruling out suction as the primary method. The finding helps scientists understand how these small creatures live in the wild and sheds light on the evolutionary relationship between two similar bat species.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateDec 14, 2009
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Building better bone replacements with bacteria

Research uses bacteria to produce biofilm layers containing biopolymers that act as strong adhesives, resulting in better mechanical strength and surface coverage. The biocoating method could lead to improved bone implant materials with enhanced properties.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateSep 6, 2009