If there is one thing that characterizes geckos, it is their extraordinary ability to climb almost anything , including glass or a smooth ceiling.
For years, different teams of researchers have tried to emulate this ability, which does not depend on the firmness of the claws of these small lizards, but on the hairs that are under their fingers.
These tiny filaments , called setae, can be deformed, generating millions of contact points , each capable of supporting a small load, with the surface in question. This exchange of forces occurs at the molecular level.
Now, a study published in the journal J ournal of Applied Physics clarifies that these animals can manipulate the degree of adherence of setae , which allows them to run at high speed along the walls or stay suspended upside down without using too much energy.
This is indicated by the signatories of the essay, a group of engineers from Oregon State University, in the USA, using a mathematical model, have found that the angle, flexibility and extension of these hairs play a decisive role in the process , and that the ability of geckos to hold on could be understood as the opposite of friction.
Thus, a simple movement makes it easy for them to detach effortlessly . In addition, as highlighted, setae are capable of absorbing a large amount of energy, but can also recover it.
These scientists believe that their work could be used in the development of new synthetic adhesives or even robots capable of traversing any terrain, no matter how rugged.
