Glowworms' adhesive threads feature water-absorbent droplets containing minerals possibly from primary urine, extracting atmospheric water to avoid desiccation. The lines' composition is unique, containing mainly water, hygroscopic salts, and biomolecules.
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.
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.
A team of scientists from Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and UNIST created an octopus-inspired smart adhesive pad to mimic the suction cups on octopuses' tentacles. The pad uses thermally responsive polymer to create suction, allowing for strong bonding and detachment in wet conditions.
CuRE's dental adhesive incorporates copper iodide particles to curb infections and promote healthy tooth bonding. The technology has the potential to reduce secondary caries formation under existing restorations, a major contributor to costly restoration failures.
Researchers have developed novel adhesives inspired by mussels to seal fetal membranes after in-utero surgery, reducing the risk of premature labor and delivery. The new glue works in wet environments, a significant improvement over existing adhesives.
Researchers in South Korea have developed ultra-thin photovoltaics with a record-breaking flexibility, allowing them to wrap around small objects. The new method uses transfer printing instead of etching and produces flexible solar cells with a smaller amount of materials.
Researchers discovered that English ivy's adhesive is made of arabinogalactan proteins, which can be used to create strong bio-inspired adhesives for wound healing and surface-coating applications. The study also found that the glue has unique properties such as being resistant to moisture and environmental conditions.
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.
Certain scalp-pulling hairstyles, such as tight ponytails and braids, are associated with traction alopecia in African-American women. Moderate-risk styles include thermal straightening, permanent waving, and wig use, while low-risk styles include loose buns and natural styles that avoid chemicals.
Researchers at LSU create non-permanent adhesive using urea and urease, exhibiting promising properties for biomedical applications. The adhesive's degradation rate can be adjusted, making it suitable for various biomedical uses.
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.
A UCR team adapted CRISPR-Cas9 for use in Yarrowia lipolytica, a yeast strain that converts sugars into useful lipids and hydrocarbons. This breakthrough enables the production of new biofuels, specialty polymers, adhesives, and fragrances from cheap raw materials.
Scientists found that larger animals require more sticking power, but have less body surface area available to cover with sticky footpads. Geckos' unique footpads set a size limit for adhesive-based climbing strategies, making it impossible for humans to climb like Spiderman.
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...
Researchers create synthetic adhesives that mimic the viscosity and tackiness of spider web glues, improving performance in humid environments. The study's findings suggest that adding salts to synthetic adhesives could enhance their stickiness.
Engineers at MIT developed a synthetic hydrogel that is 90 percent water and has a toughness comparable to the bond between tendon and cartilage on bone. The hydrogel can adhere to surfaces like glass, silicon, and metal with high durability, making it suitable for protective coatings and biomedical devices.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new adhesive material inspired by spider glue, with potential applications in creating environmentally non-toxic and energy-conserving products. The study revealed that ultraviolet rays play an important role in the performance of spider glue.
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.
Researchers at University of Akron develop soybean oil-based adhesives that work in wet conditions, addressing a billion-dollar industry's need for sustainable materials. The new adhesives mimic mussel proteins' ability to stick even in harsh marine environments.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara improve a small molecule called siderophore cyclic trichrysobactin (CTC) to create an adhesive that sticks well in aqueous environments. The discovery reveals the importance of lysine and catechol in creating a favorable environment for adhesion.
Korean scientists developed a light-activated, mussel protein-based bioadhesive that closes wounds quickly and heals without inflammation or scars. Animal studies proved its superiority to existing options, making it an ideal tissue bonding material for various medical applications.
A new paint developed by researchers at UCL creates self-cleaning surfaces that resist everyday wear and tear. The paint's unique properties allow it to withstand damage and maintain its self-cleaning abilities, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
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.
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.
Biologists at UC Riverside found that geckos reverse hind foot position to use the adhesive system as a brake and stabilizer when moving downhill. The study, published in Biology Letters, sheds light on gecko locomotion on non-level terrain and has applications in robotics.
Researchers at MIT engineered bacteria to produce hybrid materials combining naturally sticky mussel proteins with bacterial curli fibers, creating stronger underwater adhesives. These adhesives were found to bind strongly to various surfaces and are the strongest biologically inspired protein-based adhesives reported to date.
Scientists Xiangdang Liang and colleagues designed a special conduit for adhesive bonding, improving the repair of sciatic nerves in vitro and in vivo. The new method provides an equivalent repair effect while reducing operation time, making it a feasible and effective technique.
Researchers have developed an adhesive patterned after glue produced by the sandcastle worm, which may solve the problem of premature births resulting from fetal surgery. The new adhesive is water-borne and non-toxic, and has been shown to be effective in repairing punctures without swelling.
Researchers from Clemson University have discovered that lipids play a crucial role in the adhesion mechanism of barnacle cyprid larvae, paving the way for novel anti-fouling paint for ships and boats. The findings also provide insight into the development of new bio-adhesives for medical and industrial applications.
Researchers have discovered a clearer understanding of how mussels attach themselves to surfaces, which can lead to new classes of adhesives that work underwater and inside the body. The technology is based on the properties of catechol, a molecule found in mussel glue.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new version of Geckskin, a gecko-like adhesive that can adhere to various surfaces like drywall and wood. The material exhibits the ability to stick and release on different surfaces, opening up possibilities for innovative technologies in homes, offices, or outdoors.
Researchers have developed a gecko-inspired adhesive tape that not only adheres reliably to surfaces like geckos but also features self-cleaning properties. This breakthrough enables the opening and closing of food packagings or bandages multiple times without significant adhesion loss.
French scientists studied soft adhesive materials' inner structure and response to traction during the debonding process. Their findings aim to improve models of adhesive performance by understanding energy dissipation and material deformation.
Researchers developed a bio-inspired adhesive that rapidly attaches biodegradable patches in a beating heart, addressing drawbacks of previous systems. The adhesive maintains strong sticking power in the presence of blood and remains attached even at increased heart rates and blood pressure.
A randomized controlled trial found that over 50% of children who received a topical analgesic experienced no pain during wound repair with tissue adhesive. The study suggested early application of the analgesic to all minor cuts may decrease children's pain during these procedures.
Aerospace engineers can now detect adhesive failures in hard-to-reach places more quickly and precisely using the right ultrasonic frequency. The selection process could save time and effort for engineers performing maintenance on complex composite materials.
Scientists developed an adhesive patch that uses swellable microneedle tips to secure skin grafts firmly in place over wounds. The invention offers a trauma- and infection-prone alternative to traditional staples and sutures.
Researchers from the University of Akron discovered that wet, water-repellent surfaces secure geckos' grip similarly to dry surfaces. The study may inform future bio-inspired gecko-like adhesives for underwater applications.
Researchers developed a tunable process that separates human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) based on their adhesive properties. The method allows for high-throughput separation and produces pure cultures with up to 99% hiPSC purity, enabling improvements in cell reprogramming and disease modeling.
Chemical engineers at the University of Toronto have made an accidental discovery that could lead to improved commercial polymers. The researchers found a new side product in a common polymer synthesis technique, which could reduce inconsistency and increase quality.
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.
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.
Researchers have developed a new class of adhesive materials modeled on the unique properties of porcupine quills. These quills can easily penetrate tissue but are difficult to remove, and studying their mechanism could lead to less-painful needles and adhesives that bind internal tissues securely.
Scientists create medical needles that easily penetrate surfaces and resist buckling, as well as next-generation medical adhesives. The discovery is based on the unique geometry of porcupine quills, which enable them to penetrate tissue with ease while maintaining high adhesion.
Scientists have developed a new 'smart material' made from Scotch tape that can change shape in response to humidity and collect water samples. The innovation uses laser-machined fingers to capture droplets of water, making it ideal for environmental testing.
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.
Scientists at the University of Akron have discovered that cobweb spiders use two different designs to create adhesives with varying strengths, one for firm attachments and another for weak ones. This intelligent design strategy could lead to the development of synthetic adhesives with biomedical applications.
Researchers discovered that geckos have trouble sticking to smooth, wet surfaces when their feet get wet. The animals' toes produce a water-repellent layer, which interferes with their adhesive mechanism. However, once the lizards' feet dry, they can regain their grip and walk on wet surfaces.
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.
A recent study found that gecko toepads evolved multiple times in response to habitat changes. The researchers constructed the most complete gecko family tree ever made and discovered that sticky pads appeared independently in over 11 different gecko groups, while also being lost in at least nine others.
Researchers found that geckos gained and lost sticky toepads independently in various groups, with the loss occurring in species living on sandy dunes. The study's findings shed light on how geckos' unique adaptation evolved over time, providing insights for developing new adhesive technologies.
Researchers found that geckos evolved sticky toepads repeatedly, with about 60% of species having adhesive pads. The study suggests that adhesive toepads arose independently 11 times and were lost nine times during gecko evolution.
Researchers found that geckos' toe pads have microscopic hairs that clean themselves by hyperextending their toes. This discovery could lead to reusable adhesives like duct tape.
Researchers create 'Geckskin' device with integrated adhesive and soft pad for easy attachment and detachment, enabling heavy everyday objects to be stuck to walls. The innovative material shows promise for medical and industrial applications.
Researchers created a dry tape inspired by insects' hairy feet, showing improved adhesive properties and resistance to peeling. The tape can be reused thousands of times without losing its grip, making it suitable for various applications.
Researchers developed a tank-like robot that can scale smooth walls using gecko-inspired adhesives, enabling applications in pipe inspection, search and rescue operations, and more. The robot's unique design and sensors allow it to adapt to its surroundings.
Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition causing chronic inflammation and scarring around the shoulder joint. Gentle stretching exercises and physical therapy can help restore movement and reduce discomfort. Surgery may be necessary for those not showing progress with non-surgical treatments.
Researchers have discovered that tree frogs' self-cleaning feet can be replicated to create re-useable, effective adhesives. By secreting mucus and moving their feet, the frogs clean their sticky pads as they walk.
Researchers created a durable coating using polydopamine inspired by mussel adhesive to protect yeast cells from cell-digesting chemicals and slow down division. The coating could have applications in creating tiny chemical probes, single-cell factories, and cancer therapy armor.