SCIENCE IN THE NEWS DAILY

Ten Innovations Inspired by Nature

from the MSNBC

Scientists and engineers are getting some wild ideas from the wild kingdom. For example, vacationers have gazed in wonder as a gecko 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. MSNBC looks at this and nine other innovations inspired by nature.