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Gecko-Inspired Dry Adhesive Set For Space
AndreV writes "Biomimetic adhesives aren't new, but a PhD graduate in British Columbia has developed a new method of creating microscopic, mushroom-like plastic structures in order to produce a dry adhesive that mimics the stickiness of gecko feet—and is prepping his glue-free innovation for outer space. A research group at his university, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, is engineering a spider-like, sticky-footed climbing robot destined to explore Mars, and it is also developing reusable attaching systems for astronauts to use where magnetic and suction systems generally fail. In the future, he says, single-use versions could be used in any number of medical applications as well as for replacements for everyday sticky needs, such as Post-It notes and Scotch tape."
Well, according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gecko dust and dirt that could prevent the van der Waals forces that geckos toes use, are removed within a couple steps due to "self-cleaning" properties. If they are able to reproduce the effect properly, the lifespan of the product could be quite significant.
I know it's slashdot and we don't read TFA here, but at least read TFS.
it is also developing reusable attaching systems for astronauts to use where magnetic and suction systems generally fail
Alexander Peter Kristopeit bought his basement from his mommy for one dollar.
It's not a "dry" paste you apply, but more like a silicone glove you wear. There is no loose anything to stick to you.
Help fight poverty: Punch a poor person.
Just explain it like this... 1/1 = 1, 1/0.5 = 2, 1/0.1 = 10, 1/0.01 = 100, 1/0.001 = 1000, 1/0 = infinity. You CAN divide by zero, but the answer isn't useful for finite math.