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Monday, October 29, 2018

Aristotle's 2,000-year-old question about geckos inspired this ingenious climbing device

[Embracing Disruption]Insider Studios [Aristotle gecko border]Getty Images * The Greek philosopher Aristotle once questioned how a gecko could climb different surfaces. * The answer, uncovered 2,000 years later, is weak intermolecular forces called Van der Waals forces. * The engineering firm Draper used the same theory of Van der Waals forces to create its Z-Man Climbing System. Ever wonder how a gecko can climb and stick to any surface? It's a question that's obsessed scientists and philosophers as far back as Aristotle, who once pondered the gecko's ability to "run up and down a tree in any way, even with the head downward." Today, not only has that question been answered, but it's inspired technological innovation that has wide-ranging application (for humans!) in the real world.SEE THE REST OF THE STORY AT BUSINESS INSIDERSEE ALSO: * We used Google Flights and Kayak to see which is best for booking travel — here's the verdict * IT'S OFFICIAL: IBM is acquiring software company Red Hat for $34 billion * These 5 things are changing the transportation industry


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