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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

Ivy's powerful grasp could lead to better medical adhesives, stronger battle armor

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 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

All hairstyles are not created equal

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateApr 27, 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

A sticky situation

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.

What goes up must come down

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 14, 2014

Gecko-inspired adhesion: Self-cleaning and reliable

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.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 19, 2014

Towards tailor-made adhesives

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 5, 2014

Choosing a wave could accelerate airplane maintenance

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives·DateJul 23, 2013

Bed of needles

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2013

Inspiration from a porcupine's quills

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 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

1 glue, 2 functions

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.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2012

How geckos cope with wet feet

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.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 9, 2012

When that shoulder aches too much to move

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateSep 7, 2011