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Artificial Gecko Adhesive, Now In Experimental Glue
thefickler writes "Scientists at the University of Dayton have created a peel-on, peel-off glue which mimics the wall-climbing abilities of Spiderman. The substance, based on the feet of the Gecko lizard, is three times stickier than existing adhesives. The material is so strong that a 4×4mm pad would be enough to hold a 1.5kg object such as a hardcover book. However, it's likely too expensive for consumer use: one British scientist calculates that a single Post-it note using the glue would cost around a thousand dollars." We've mentioned the possibilities of synthetic gecko technology several times before, including as applied in this wall-climbing robot; commercial applications have seemed just around the corner for a while now.
Hopefully, that English nature show presenter who follows the GEICO gekko around will begin using this stuff so he doesn't fall off RVs, dumpsters, etc., while he's trying to spy on his quarry.
Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.
I am so glad they came up with a new gecko adhesive. I haven't had good results nailing my geckos down, they eat the tape, and the natural gecko adhesive just doesn't cut it.
Last time I pulled one of those off the wall it came off no problem. Along with the paint and wallboard behind it!
There are probably a few more uses for it than using a small pad to blue a book to a wall and to be spiderman. Don't be so obtuse.
It's so easy a caveman can do it.
You wouldn't need to rely on upper body strength alone if you also have the stuff on your feet. That lets you use your leg muscles as well.
My question-- do the outer layers of skin on my fingers/toes have the adhesive properties to the inner-layers of skin or will I fall 30 stories leaving finger-skin behind? Also, how much building-dust and pollution accumulates to the adhesive, and how quickly?
I really need to know this before I try.
W
PS- are web shooters included?
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This is my SIG. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
Welding the hard hat directly to the beam works so much better.
Actually, not. The hat tends to melt. And I'd rather not have to weld channels to the flange to cradle the lip of the helmet either. Bolting is right out, too: it needs to have minimal impact to the structural integrity of the beam.
Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?
Reading only the title - as is traditional around here - why would I want an adhesive which only adheres to geckos?