From Gecko Feet to . . . Adhesive Tape

With their feet, geckos can climb almost any surface, and they “can even hang upside down using just a single toe.” This absorbing title describes how scientists studying these lizards’ amazing abilities have made major technological advancements. An engaging introduction delves into a brief history of adhesives and explains some of the disadvantages of today’s adhesives. Next, a look at gecko biology provides a surprising explanation of why geckos’ feet are unique—and uniquely interesting to adhesives experts. Readers then learn how researchers are using biomimicry (a term helpfully defined in a sidebar) to create ultra-powerful adhesives for myriad human uses. Dr. Alfred Crosby and his team have been particularly successful, developing a promising material called Geckskin. Throughout, the clean book design aids reading; colorful photographs—many of geckos—catch the eye, and sidebars elucidate related topics such as how the study of mollusks may also contribute to adhesive technology. In the closing chapter, short biographies describe individual scientists’ contributions to the study of gecko biomimicry. Back matter includes a glossary, book and Web-site suggestions for further learning, and an index.