Going where? Up the wall! The uncanny ability of geckos to climb shear walls has fascinated scientists for years. Researchers at the University of California – Berkeley, have developed an adhesive that mimics the easy attach and easy release of the reptile’s padded feet. This new material is made up of millions of tiny plastic fibers that establish grip, and a mere square two centimeters on a side can support close to a pound! When the tape presses into a surface and slides downwards, it sticks. When the tape is lifted, it releases!

trick behind a gecko’s speedy vertical escape has been exposed! The new material could prove useful for a range of products, from climbing equipment to medical devices.