Fascinating Images Reveal Climbing Abilities of Geckos and Spiders
Helium ion technology allows imaging of objects in their natural state
Press Release
09 November 2011
JENA/Germany, PEABODY/Massachusetts/USA, 09.11.2011.
Scientists from Lewis and Clark College, working collaboratively with the Joint School
of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN) in the USA have examined the fascinating climbing
skills of geckos and spiders using the ORION helium ion microscope from Carl Zeiss.
High resolution images displaying unique definition and detail rendition reveal even the
finest structures on the feet of these animals. This imaging advances the understanding of
how the masterly climbing skills of these creatures are attributable to adhesive forces or, in other words,
intermolecular attractions. The secret lies in the fine structure of the tiny hairs, or "setae",
that cover the undersides of the feet. The spatula-shaped tips of the hairs allow the creatures to
make a vast number of contacts with the climbed surface. The simple adhesive force observed between
all touching objects enables the gecko or spider to carry many times its own weight when climbing upside down.
Until now, it was extremely difficult to obtain images of the tiny, delicate hairs.
Electron microscopes generate an electrostatic
charge on the surface of practically all biological specimens.
This impairs the image quality, which is why research scientists
frequently cover biological specimens with a thin gold coating during preparation. This, in turn, covers up the fine structures
of the gecko and spider hairs. Helium ion microscopy offers a simple but effective solution to this problem: static charge is
neutralized in a very straightforward manner, allowing the specimen to be imaged in its natural state.
The result: razor-sharp images that offer not only high scientific content, but also an outstanding degree of abstract beauty.
Spider samples have been provided by Dr. S. Gorb. The use of ORION®PLUS HIM at Joint School
of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN), UNC at Greensboro and NC A&T State U is acknowledged.
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