Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Spider Legs Lead to Better Post-it Notes
European scientists have found why spiders stick to a ceiling by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to take pictures of the foot of a jumping spider. According to their findings, a spider can carry 170 times its own weight without falling. As one scientist said, "That's like Spiderman clinging to the flat surface of a window on a building by his fingertips and toes only, whilst rescuing 170 adults who are hanging on to his back!"
One possible application will be to make Post-it notes that don't fall off, even if they're wet. This also paves the way for other new kinds of adhesive materials. This overview contains more details and references, including a couple of pictures taken with a SEM at various levels of magnification.
:: posted by Roland Piquepaille, 5:06 AM
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