Herper.com: Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptiles and Amphibians in the News

Thursday, May 22, 2008

New Gecko Family

Based on genetic sequencing (rather than the standard foot morphology), researchers have created a new family of geckos. (News source.)

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Monday, March 17, 2008

Gecko Tails

Research on house gecko tails shows some interesting new functions, including helping the lizard stabilize while running on slippery surfaces. (News source.)

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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Gecko-Mimicking Bandages

Some US researchers have devised a waterproof sticky bandage based on principles found in some geckos' sticky feet. (News source.)

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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Gecko Adhesive

University of California, Berkeley, engineers have designed a gecko-foot mimicking adhesive that is very strong but easy to separate. 42 million tiny hard plastic microfibrils are found on a single square centimeter. It takes hold when it slides down a smooth surface, rather than being pressed against. Two square centimeters can hold .88 lbs. (News source.)

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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

New Geckos

Four new geckos in the genus Cnemaspis have been described from Vietnam. (News source.)

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Wednesday, December 26, 2007

New Gecko

A new gecko from Vietnam has been described: Cyrtodactylus pseudoquadrivirgatus. (News source.)

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Thursday, December 20, 2007

Gecko Stickiness Research

Research continues into the adhesive properties of gecko feet... (Eurekalert.)

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Friday, November 30, 2007

Day Gecko Invasion

The Madagascan day geckos accidentally (or intentionally) released on Mauritius are a threat to that island's native day geckos. Other species are also causing trouble. (News source.)

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Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Gecko Adhesion

Researchers have been studying the gecko's adhesive foot hairs and discovered that the hair's angle is critical. At 30 degrees, it can withstand enormous force, but at 90 degrees, it quickly releases its hold. (News source.)

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