Add BrightSurf on Google Email

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

UNIST engineers octopus-inspired smart adhesive pads

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.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 12, 2016

CuRE pursues development of new dental adhesive with STTR grant

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.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateJul 8, 2016

Fetal surgery stands to advance from new glues inspired by mussels

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateJun 30, 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.

Ultra-thin solar cells can easily bend around a pencil

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 20, 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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

UCR research advances oil production in yeast

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJan 26, 2016

Why Spiderman can't exist: Geckos are 'size limit' for sticking to walls

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2016
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.

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

Spider webs yield clues to stickier glues (video)

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 18, 2015

Hydrogel superglue is 90 percent water

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 9, 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.

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

Mussels inspire development of waterproof adhesives

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.

SourceUniversity of Akron·DateAug 10, 2015
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2015

New paint makes tough self-cleaning surfaces

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 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
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.

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

Engineered proteins stick like glue -- even in water

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 21, 2014

Sciatic nerve repair using adhesive bonding and a modified conduit

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.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 27, 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.

Study: Marine pest provides advances in maritime anti-fouling and biomedicine

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.

SourceClemson University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2014

Gecko-like adhesives now useful for real world surfaces

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.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 18, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

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

Bio-inspired glue keeps hearts securely sealed

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

Topical analgesic may provide pain-free 'skin glue' repair of cuts in children

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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 29, 2013
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.

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

Adhesive force differences enable separation of stem cells to advance therapies

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 7, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Accidental discovery may lead to improved polymers

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateApr 5, 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

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
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

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

On quills and needles: Prickly porcupine is a muse for future medical devices

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2012

Scotch tape finds new use as grasping 'smart material'

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.

SourcePurdue University·DateNov 20, 2012
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.

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

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

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
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

Scientists reach the heights with gecko-inspired tank robot

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.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateOct 31, 2011

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
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Frog feet could solve a sticky problem

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.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 2, 2011

Mussel adhesive inspires tough coating for living cells

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 6, 2011

Advance in microchannel manufacturing opens new industry applications

Engineers at Oregon State University have invented a new method to produce low-temperature microchannel heat exchangers using surface-mount adhesives. This technology could make it possible to manufacture these devices less expensive and open up new opportunities for next-generation computers, lasers, and other applications.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Manufacturing Processes·DateApr 1, 2011

The tooth about zinc

A worldwide problem, zinc deficiency can cause health issues; proper denture care and regular dental check-ups are essential for safe use of zinc-based adhesives.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateMar 4, 2011
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.