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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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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