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From geckos’ feet to Formula 1: how surface science underpins our world

17 Nov 2021 Jess Wade
Taken from the November 2021 issue of Physics World where it first appeared under the headline "Get stuck in".

Jess Wade reviews Sticky: the Secret Science of Surfaces by Laurie Winkless

gecko on a window pane
Stuck fast The quest to understand how geckos can grip surfaces as smooth as glass has taken scientists centuries. (Courtesy: iStock/sandipruel)
I have to come clean about something. I thought I understood the science of surfaces. As a physicist

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