News tagged with journal of experimental biology

The cost of being on your toes

Humans, other great apes and bears are among the few animals that step first on the heel when walking, and then roll onto the ball of the foot and toes. Now, a University of Utah study shows the advantage: ...

Feb 12, 2010 4 / 5 (2) 4 | with audio podcast

How geckos cope with wet feet

Geckos are remarkable little creatures, clinging to almost any dry surface, and Alyssa Stark, from the University of Akron, USA, explains that they appear to be equally happy scampering through tropical rainforest ...

Aug 09, 2012 4 / 5 (2) 0 | with audio podcast

Humidity makes gecko feet stickier

Geckos have amazingly sticky feet. Their stickability comes from billions of dry microscopic hairs that coat the soles of their feet. However, when humidity increases, gecko feet stick even tighter to smooth ...

Oct 15, 2010 5 / 5 (1) 2 | with audio podcast

Waves and the perception power of seals

If you ever thought that murky waters would stop seals in their (hunting) tracks, think again. Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) extend their vibration-sensitive whiskers to find food when their vision is obstructed. ...

May 16, 2011 5 / 5 (1) 0