Gecko tape developed

Inspired from the Gecko's self cleaning properties even after repeated contact with dirt,  researchers of the KIT and the Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, have now developed the first adhesive tape that does not only adhere to a surface as reliably as the toes of a gecko, but also possesses similar self-cleaning properties.

When moving forwards, the gecko‘s toes drag across a part of the surface. As a result of this lateral friction contact, larger dirt particles are removed. Smaller particles deposit among the setae on the sole and in the skinfolds below. In an experiment, the researchers have proved that both mechanisms provide for 95% of the self-cleaning effect. “This effect is determined by the ratio between particle size and setae diameter“, Dr. Hendrik Hölscher of KIT’s Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) says.

To simulate the steps made by a gecko, they pressed an artificial adhesive tape covered by microhairs onto the plate, shifted it laterally, and lifted the tape off again. After eight to ten test cycles, however, the gecko-inspired adhesive tape reached 80 to 100 percent of its power. Tests using real dirt particles of variable shape and size and particles made of various materials are planned to be carried out in the near future.

Stick insects use friction to grip without sticking

Research from Cambridge's Department of Zoology has revealed that stick insects produce a powerful friction to ensure they're held in place during movement. When they're not hanging upside down, stick insects don't need to stick. Sticking will actually be a hindrance to their movement, hence, they will require extra effort to 'unstick' again with every step.

By studying the 'heel pads', researchers discovered that these insects have developed a way to generate massive friction when walking upright. This is done through a system of tiny hairs in different combinations of height and curvature which create the grip

The research was published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface and reveals another example of natural engineering.

Early human footprints discovered in the UK

Scientists have discovered what is one of the earliest evidence of humans outside of Africa in Happisburgh, UK. Published in the Plos One Journal, the authors say it is the oldest known human footprints and ages between 1 million and 0.78 million years.

In the absence of skeletons, footprints can provide critical information about posture, size and even the type of creatures that existed. Additionally, such information when preserved well can also give insights into number of individuals, their sex, age range and even activities they involved in.

These footprints are direct evidence of human occupation of in Northern Europe. Dr. Nick Ashton of the Britain Museum told BBC News, the footprints are "one of the most important discoveries, if not the most important discovery that has been made on [Britain's] shores... It will rewrite our understanding of the early human occupation of Britain and indeed of Europe"

The images were recorded last year May with multi-image photogrametry. It showed that the prints fell within the range of children to adult foot sizes. In one particular case, toe impressions were seen. The direction of the prints also showed the inhabitants were moving in a southerly direction along the river edge. Most reports of early Pleistocene humans have been reported in Africa and are very rare in Europe. The paper said, the only known species in western Europe of a similar age is Homo antecessor who's remains were found in Spain.

The researchers hope that looking at people today in their everyday activities may provide more evidence of these early humans.