WATCH: NASA JPL tests gecko-inspired grippers in zero gravity

Andrea James 4:54 am Mon Aug 17, 2015

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory just released a video of their latest adhesion technologies designed for use in space.

The current option, Velcro, requires both a hook and a loop surface, and it can create fiber debris. Scientists have been working on alternatives that can grip any surface. For smooth surface adhesion, they turned to gecko feet, which employ van der Waals force to create attraction. They envision a number of cool applications, and they tested it out on the Vomit Comet, showing that a user can grip and move 100kg of mass in zero gravity.

They have also been developing climbers that can scale rough surfaces like rock or porous walls.

• Gecko Grippers Moving On Up (NASA)

Possible sign of life on Venus

Astronomers reported today that they've detected phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus, a possible biosignature of life on the planet. The researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of… READ THE REST
Trailer for new docuseries about the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster

On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated just 73 seconds after liftoff. The seven person crew included high school teacher Christa McAuliffe, the first civilian to fly into… READ THE REST
Tropical Storm Fay imaged by NASA's Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)

NASA's AIRS instrument captured this image of Tropical Storm Fay around 2 p.m. local time on July 10, 2020, as the storm swept through New England. Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech From NASA's… READ THE REST
Short Post, just one paragraph

Dessert cheesecake wafer bear claw fruitcake. Fruitcake chupa chups donut candy canes marzipan. Apple pie sweet roll tart chocolate cake macaroon marshmallow carrot cake gummi bears sweet. Pastry sugar plum… READ THE REST
Save 50% on a 1-year subscription to Dashlane's premium password manager

We all know vital information about ourselves and our private digital accounts can be compromised by cybercriminals. However, many would be frightened to know just how compromised they and their… READ THE REST
The Bite Helper removes the itch of a mosquito bite in seconds

While mosquitoes have certainly earned their title as the deadliest animal on earth, their impact on most of our lives is usually a lot less consequential. But even though they… READ THE REST