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A previous study examined the adhesive mechanism that allows the gecko to climb walls (see Journal Watch Dermatology Dec 22 2006): Tiny spines of keratin (setae) form adherent “foot-hairs.” These structures allow high-performance, reversible adhesion that, unfortunately, is compromised in high-humidity and aquatic environments. Not even Spider-Man could adhere to buildings by this method in a hurricane. Now, a group of engineers and nanotechnologists has produced a nanoadhesive that mimics the mechanism of the gecko foot but allows wet adherence.
The key insight in the development of the new adhesive comes again from nature — the profound adhesion by which mussels cling to wet rocks and piers …