Scientists and engineers are getting some wild ideas from the wild kingdom
Gecko glue and other natural wonders
Vacationers have gazed in wonder as a gecko, shown here, scurries across the wall of their beachside cabana. Several years ago, scientists learned that the attractive force of millions of tiny branching bristles on the gecko's footpads is the factor behind the lizard's superb grip and equally stunning zippy-clean release. Now those scientists are making a variety of adhesives that mimic the technique, raising the possibility of wall-climbing robots, hair-friendly bandages and, yes, even gloves that could someday allow vacationers to scurry after their four-footed friends.
Check out nine more innovations inspired by nature:
Sea cucumber plastic: www.happynews.com/inspired-innovations-sea-cucumber-plastic
Speedy swimsuit: www.happynews.com/inspired-innovations-speedy-swimsuits
Jet sprayers: www.happynews.com/inspired-innovations-jet-sprayers
Drones: www.happynews.com/inspired-innovations-drones
Repellant materials: www.happynews.com/inspired-innovations-repellant-materials
Bullet trains: www.happynews.com/inspired-innovations-bullet-train
Fishy armor: www.happynews.com/inspired-innovations-fishy-armor
Whiter whites: www.happynews.com/inspired-innovations-white-album
Boxfish-styled cars: www.happynews.com/inspired-innovations-boxfish-cars

© 2008 msnbc.com
Reproduced with permission of MSNBC, from Ten innovations inspired by nature by John Roach, October 21, 2008; permission conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.

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