Running on water added to gecko's impressive list of capabilities

BIOLOGY
Nick Lavars

2 hours ago
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Geckos – what can't they do?(Credit: diego_cervo/Depositphotos)
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The superhero-like abilities of the humble gecko have inspired countless avenues of scientific research, and biologists have uncovered yet another incredible talent to add to the list. The researchers have found that the enterprising lizard species also has the ability to run on water, a capability that could lead to the development of advanced robots that do the same thing.
 
Whether its advanced adhesives modeled on their sticky feet, new materials that follow their example of cleanliness, or spinal cord treatmentsinspired by how fast they can regrow their discarded tails, the gecko is rich source of stimulation for scientists from a variety of fields.

The latest-gecko inspired research stems from observations both in the wild and in the lab that the creature is able to skitter across puddles to evade predators. Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, together with study co-authors from the University of Oxford and Rockefeller University, set out to investigate this further by using high-speed video to reveal some of the mechanics at play.

By building a long water tank, placing geckos on a plank at one end and touching their tails, the scientists were able to spur the creatures into action. The high-speed video provided them with a means to closely study the techniques the animals use to stop themselves from sinking, and also estimate some of the forces involved.

More:
https://newatlas.com/scientists-discover-geckos-run-water/57567/