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MIT: Peeling stickers may lead to stretchable electronics

A team of MIT researchers has developed a new approach to designing stretchable electronics by studying the delamination of stickers, which can lead to damage in twisted materials. By controlling the strength of adhesion and elastic properties, they can create devices that allow wires to move with the material without breaking.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2009

How do bacteria swim? Brown physicists explain

Researchers at Brown University have studied the swimming patterns of Caulobacter crescentus, a single-celled bacterium with a flagellum. The study reveals that drag and Brownian motion govern the circular swimming patterns of the microbe, which helps explain how bacteria scavenge for food and adhere to surfaces.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2008

Fast AFM probes measure multiple properties of biomolecules or materials simultaneously

Researchers developed novel probe technology that replaces conventional AFM cantilevers, enabling fast topographic imaging, quantitative material characterization, and single molecule mechanics measurements. These probes can simultaneously measure material properties like adhesion, stiffness, elasticity, and viscosity.

Switchable adhesive

Scientists create a surface pair that sticks together in response to an environmental stimulus, allowing for reversible detachment. This discovery could lead to innovative applications in microfluidic systems, actuators, and pharmacological agents.

SourceWiley·DateJul 24, 2007

Floating and spiky

Researchers use computer simulations to study the effect of adhesive patch size and density on cell adhesion. They found that protrusion height is the most critical factor, with small increases leading to faster adhesion rates.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 3, 2006

Nanoscale contact optimizes adhesion

Researchers discovered an optimal shape of nanoscale contact surface that enhances adhesion strength, which becomes insensitive to small variations at a critical size scale of around 100 nanometers. This finding suggests combining size reduction and shape optimization for robust and reliable adhesion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2004

Scientists prove how geckos stick, unlock secrets to making artificial gecko glue

A team of biologists and engineers has discovered that the gecko's adhesive power depends on weak van der Waals forces and geometry, not surface chemistry. They fabricated prototype synthetic foot-hair tips that stick like real geckos' feet, opening doors to manufacturing biologically inspired adhesives with widespread applications.

SourceLewis & Clark College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2002

Fluid forces within the body help invasive bacteria

Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that fluid forces in the human body help invasive bacteria, such as E. coli, thrive and adhere to surfaces. This finding has significant medical implications, including the potential for improved biomedical device safety and a better understanding of urinary tract infections.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCell·DateJun 27, 2002