Tiny sensors that can drift in the breeze like dandelion seeds can help record environmental signals across a wide area Technology 16 March 2022 By Chris Stokel-Walker A sensor designed to mimic the way dandelion seeds float on the breeze Mark Stone/University of Washington Tiny sensors with a design inspired by dandelion seeds could be … Read more
Robotic hands often trade strength for adaptability, but a sticky coating inspired by gecko feet has given this artificial hand a delicate touch Technology 15 December 2021 By Matthew Sparkes The gecko-inspired robot hand farmHand/Standford University Mechanical hands with human-like fingers are more adaptable than the simple two-pronged clamps found on industrial robots, but they … Read more
By Chris Stokel-Walker Barnacles cling firmly to rocks Kuki Waterstone/Alamy A non-toxic underwater glue that is inspired by barnacles and made from silk is stronger than most synthetic adhesives. Barnacles and mussels use a clever combination of factors to stick to rocks or to the side of boats. In particular, they layer protein filaments into … Read more