Adhesive mechanisms and dynamic performance in smooth adhesive pads of insects
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Zoology
Abstract
Many insects are capable of running upside down on a smooth surface, carrying loads and withstanding pull-off forces equivalent to more than 100 times their own body weight. The mechanisms of how this impressive performance is achieved and of how they master the conflicting tasks of running and of making stable adhesive contacts, are still largely unknown. We will investigate surface attachment and locomotion in ants and stick insects, which possess smooth adhesive pads at the tips of their legs. Experiments will be conducted to clarify whether attachment forces are due to 'wet' or dry' adhesion, i.e. whether they are mainly based on the properties of a fluid film between pad and surface or on the direct contact between the adhesive pad cuticle and the substrate. We will investigate whether the fluid secretion enhances adhesion and if so, and under what conditions. Attachment forces of single legs (adhesion and friction) will be measured while simultaneously filming their area of contact with the surface. The physical properties of pad cuticle and secretion will be analysed with modern microscopy techniques, and used to compare pad performance with theoretical predictions. To clarify the mechanism of adhesion and the scaling of forces with body size, we will study how adhesive pads detach from the surface. In general, forces are reduced when pads are detached by peeling. We will investigate whether insects are able to avoid peeling and if so, how they do this. To understand how insects manage to combine surface attachment with locomotion, we will study the movements of legs and adhesive pads during attachment and detachment. By analysing high-speed recordings of running insects, we will explore how running is influenced by surface attachment and how insects adjust their legs and feet to cope with different attachment conditions. Our project will clarify how insects adhere to surfaces and how they manage to control attachment forces. Even though numerous potential applications exist, no controllable technical adhesives have yet been developed. Understanding the mechanisms of how insects elegantly control attachment is likely to lead to the discovery of general principles useful for the design of novel 'biomimetic' adhesives.
Technical Summary
Insects that possess adhesive pads are capable of withstanding large detachment forces and are yet able to run. The detailed mechanisms of how they master the conflicting tasks of running and of making stable adhesive contacts are still largely unknown. The aim of this project is to clarify the mechanisms of surface attachment in smooth adhesive pads of insects and to understand how adhesive forces are controlled during running. Attachment forces of single legs will be measured under different conditions while simultaneously recording the area of contact. Physical properties of pad secretion and cuticle will be quantified using interference reflection and atomic force microscopy, and used to test theoretical models of adhesion and friction. We will verify whether and under what conditions the fluid secretion enhances adhesion. It will be tested whether attachment forces are based on the properties of a continuous fluid film in the pad contact zone or on direct cuticle-surface contacts. We will test the prediction that the two-phasic nature of the adhesive secretion is essential for static friction forces. To understand the mechanism of adhesion and the physical basis of how insects control adhesion, we will analyse the detailed mode of pad detachment ('peeling' vs. 'sudden separation') and test predictions regarding the scaling of adhesive forces and single pads and whole insects. The movements of legs and adhesive pads will be studied during attachment and detachment. By analysing high-speed recordings of running insects, we will test predictions of how running is influenced by attachment and what leg/tarsus adjustments insects make to cope with different attachment requirements (load, slope, substrate properties, rapid perturbations). Our project aims at dissecting the insects' mechanisms to control attachment forces. Thus, the research has a potential to identify general principles that may prove useful for the development of technical applications.
Organisations
- University of Cambridge (Lead Research Organisation, Project Partner)
- Bayer (Collaboration)
- Paris Diderot University (Collaboration)
- European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) (Collaboration)
- National Centre for Biological Science (NCBS) (Collaboration)
- Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
Walter Federle (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Barnes W
(2009)
Structural correlates of adhesion and friction in tree frog toe pads
in Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology
Bartsch M
(2007)
A Multiaxis Force Sensor for the Study of Insect Biomechanics
in Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems
Bauer U
(2013)
'Insect aquaplaning' on a superhydrophilic hairy surface: how Heliamphora nutans Benth. pitcher plants capture prey.
in Proceedings. Biological sciences
Bauer U
(2015)
How to catch more prey with less effective traps: explaining the evolution of temporarily inactive traps in carnivorous pitcher plants.
in Proceedings. Biological sciences
Bauer U
(2008)
Harmless nectar source or deadly trap: Nepenthes pitchers are activated by rain, condensation and nectar.
in Proceedings. Biological sciences
Bauer U
(2011)
Evidence for alternative trapping strategies in two forms of the pitcher plant, Nepenthes rafflesiana.
in Journal of experimental botany
Bauer U
(2009)
The insect-trapping rim of Nepenthes pitchers: surface structure and function.
in Plant signaling & behavior
Bullock J
(2009)
Why have more than one pad per leg? Determining the mechanical and adhesive properties of hairy attachment pads in beetles
in Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology
Title | Giving cockroaches the slip |
Description | Water-absorbing "Insectislide" coating |
Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
Year Produced | 2010 |
Impact | no actual impacts realised to date |
Description | The aim of this project was to clarify the mechanisms of surface attachment in smooth adhesive pads of insects and to understand how adhesive forces are controlled during locomotion. Investigating the role of pad secretion for attachment, we showed that accumulation of secretion resulted in a loss of friction and adhesion on smooth substrates, but increased forces on rough substrates. Thus, the fluid does not generally increase attachment but does so only on rough substrates, where it helps to maximize contact area. Adhesive pads generated considerable static friction even when secretion had accumulated. Analysis of footprint volumes deposited during repeated press-downs showed that smooth pads secrete fluid into a storage volume, which is depleted exponentially over consecutive steps. Re-analysis of the fluid film between cuticle and substrate using interference reflection microscopy revealed that a thin epicuticular layer modifies the interference pattern, resulting in a reduced estimate of the fluid film's thickness of 0-50 nm. This suggests that direct cuticle-substrate contacts are possible. Dry contacts are also supported by our finding that pads produced different attachment forces on substrates of varying surface energy, unexplained by the variation of the fluid's contact angle. We demonstrated that the two-phasic nature of insect adhesive fluid provides a mechanism to increase friction and prevent insects from slipping. By manipulating adhesive secretion in vivo using water-absorbing polymer substrates, we found that friction forces were significantly smaller once the watery phase had been removed. Our finding has revealed a new principle for insect-repellent coatings, which are more durable and environment-friendly than existing coatings. To analyse the mode of pad detachment, we measured the scaling of adhesive forces with body mass. Scaling coefficients were much higher than expected if pads detached by peeling. This indicates that insects are able to distribute stresses across the entire contact zone. Page 9 of 11 Date printed: 20/05/2010 21:25:11 BB/E004156/1 Date saved: 20/05/2010 21:23:38 To understand how insects control surface attachment during locomotion, we studied the effect of pull-off angle on adhesive forces in ants. Adhesion strongly increased for smaller angles, but much more abruptly than predicted from peeling models. The sudden transition facilitates rapid control of attachment and detachment. When compared with upright locomotion, ants walking upside down made shorter strides, had a smaller speed and a higher duty factor. Inverted ants loaded with additional weights reduced their tarsus angle, thereby bringing their pads into a position where adhesive forces are maximised. Using rapid displacements of the substrate, we showed that ants and stick insects were able to double their adhesive contact area within less than a millisecond. Passive, mechanical control was also found to be responsible for the use of claws or adhesive pads, depending on surface roughness. Although both attachment devices are controlled by the claw flexor muscle, their movements occur one after the other, with the movement of the adhesive pad being last. As a result, interlocking of the claws on rough surfaces mechanically prevents full engagement of the adhesive pad. We found that insects possess different tarsal pads specialised for either pulling (adhesion) or pushing (friction). Both pad types differ in ultrastructure, adhesive properties and use during locomotion. The principle of division of labour between tarsal pads had not been recognised before but is widespread among arthropods. We investigated how adhesive structures cope with contamination by measuring attachment before and after contamination with microspheres. Smooth and hairy pads exhibited self-cleaning properties and rapidly recovered adhesion over consecutive steps. Many findings of this project will be relevant for the development of biomimetic adhesives. |
Exploitation Route | - development of biomimetic adhesives and climbing robots - development of biomimetic slippery substrates - development of non-toxic insect-repellent substrates |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Agriculture Food and Drink Environment Healthcare |
Description | Our findings have been used by other researchers, and have led to the development of biomimetic adhesives, slippery substrates, and insecticide-free substrates that are insect-repellent. |
First Year Of Impact | 2008 |
Sector | Chemicals,Education |
Impact Types | Societal Economic |
Description | Adhesion on rough surfaces and mechanisms of self-cleaning in insect attachment pads |
Amount | £434,256 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/I008667/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2011 |
End | 07/2014 |
Description | Biomechanics of animal adhesion in wet environments |
Amount | £178,502 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PFZA/028 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Horizon 2020 |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 09/2015 |
End | 09/2019 |
Description | Characterization of Biological Adhesion using Surface-Energy-Patterned Substrates |
Amount | £29,638 (GBP) |
Funding ID | RG 79135 |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Department | Isaac Newton Trust |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2015 |
End | 01/2016 |
Description | Comparative study of fibrillar adhesion in spiders and insects |
Amount | £115,500 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2008 |
End | 01/2009 |
Description | Insect adhesion and properties of insect repellant surfaces |
Amount | £67,735 (GBP) |
Organisation | AkzoNobel |
Department | AkzoNobel UK |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2011 |
End | 03/2014 |
Description | Insect adhesion and properties of insect repellant surfaces |
Amount | £13,726 (GBP) |
Organisation | AkzoNobel |
Department | AkzoNobel UK |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2014 |
End | 03/2015 |
Description | Insect-repellent surfaces |
Amount | £1,440 (GBP) |
Organisation | AkzoNobel |
Department | AkzoNobel UK |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2012 |
End | 09/2012 |
Description | Micro-rheology of animal adhesive secretions |
Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | RG76577 |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2015 |
End | 12/2015 |
Description | Nepenthes pitcher traps and counter-adaptations of specialised ants |
Amount | £129,212 (GBP) |
Funding ID | F/09 364/G |
Organisation | The Leverhulme Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2009 |
End | 12/2011 |
Description | The role of subsurface structure in biological adhesion: insects to lizards |
Amount | £191,766 (GBP) |
Funding ID | RGP0034/2012 |
Organisation | Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | France |
Start | 07/2012 |
End | 12/2015 |
Title | Method for studying adhesion on rough surfaces using transparent microstructured substrates |
Description | We have developed a new method for investigating the contact of natural adhesives on rough surfaces. The technique involves transparent microstructured substrates; it allows us not only to standardise and vary surface roughness parameters but also to visualize the contact of adhesive pads and measure force, contact area and shear stress. This has led to a further grant funded by BBSRC (BB/I008667/1) to clarify the interaction of insect adhesives with surface roughness. |
Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
Year Produced | 2013 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Method has been used to study tree frogs (group of Dr WJP Barnes) |
Title | New principle by which surfaces can be made slippery for insects |
Description | We discovered a new principle by which surfaces can be made slippery for insects. The key property is the ability of surfaces to absorb water. Such substrates can selectively remove the aqueous component of the two-phasic adhesive emulsion, which results in a loss of friction forces and slipping. The advantage of this principle is that it will allow insect-repellent coatings which are more durable and environment-friendly than existing coatings. We have filed a patent application with Cambridge |
Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Insect-repellent coatings and surfaces, as a non-toxic alternative to insecticides |
Title | Setup for simultaneous measurement of adhesion, friction and contact area of small adhesive structures |
Description | We have developed and further improved a Labview control programme for our automated force measurement setup, which allows the coordination of data acquisition (force measurements), three-axis motor movements and video recording (analysis of contact area). The system also includes a 50-Hz force feedback system, which allows it to keep normal force constant while measuring friction or vice versa. We have made the software available to colleagues who are using compatible hardware. |
Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
Year Produced | 2010 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | An equivalent setup has been built and used by the group of WJP Barnes (Glasgow) |
Title | Dryad digital repository |
Description | Data for the following papers have been made available Zhou, Y., Robinson, A., Steiner, U. and Federle, W. (2014). Insect adhesion on rough surfaces: analysis of adhesive contact of smooth and hairy pads on transparent micro-structured substrates. Journal of The Royal Society Interface 11, 20140499. (http://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.k8d1f) Labonte, D., Williams, J. A. and Federle, W. (2014). Surface contact and design of fibrillar 'friction pads' in stick insects (Carausius morosus): mechanisms for large friction coefficients and negligible adhesion. Journal of The Royal Society Interface 11, 20140034. (http://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.jj0kj) Endlein, T. & Federle, W. 2015 On heels and toes: how ants climb with adhesive pads and tarsal friction hair arrays. PLoS ONE 10, e0141269. (http://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.vg446) Hackmann, A., Delacave, H., Robinson, A., Labonte, D. & Federle, W. 2015 Functional morphology and efficiency of the antenna cleaner in Camponotus rufifemur ants. R. Soc. open sci. 2, 150129. (http://dx.doi.org/10.5061/dryad.88q18) |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2013 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Raw data publicly available |
Description | Bayer Materials Science (Germany) |
Organisation | Bayer |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Collaboration with the aim of making insect-repellent surfaces |
Collaborator Contribution | provision of test samples |
Impact | provision of test samples |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | Berengere Abou, Microrheology of adhesive secretions |
Organisation | Paris Diderot University |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Expertise in insect biomechanics. Organizing research meeting with Dr Berengere Abou in 2014. Writing of research proposal for International Exchange, submitted to Royal Society. |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in active and passive micro-rheology |
Impact | Awarded Royal Society grant over 5000 GBP for travel between labs |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action TD0906: Biological adhesives: from biology to biomimetics |
Organisation | European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) |
Country | Belgium |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Member of European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action TD0906: Biological adhesives: from biology to biomimetics |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Florian Menzel (University of Mainz) |
Organisation | Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz |
Department | Department of Evolutionary Biology |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Micro-rheology of insect cuticular hydrcarbons and adhesive secretions |
Collaborator Contribution | Chemical analysis of insect cuticular hydrcarbons |
Impact | Joint publication in preparation, planned co-supervision of MPhil student, planned joint grant application |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Sanjay Sane - NCBS Bangalore |
Organisation | National Centre for Biological Science (NCBS) |
Country | India |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Joint project on take-off and landing mechanisms in flying, jumping and falling insects |
Collaborator Contribution | Joint supervision of a postdoctoral fellow funded by NCBS-inStem-Cambridge scheme |
Impact | Publications in preparation |
Start Year | 2015 |
Title | A new type of insect repellent surface |
Description | Patent application for a new type of insect repellent surface (UK patent application GB0904045.2 & 0921000.6), filed on 09/03/2009. |
IP Reference | GB0904045.2 and 0921000.6 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2009 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Further cooperation with industrial partner (AkzoNobel) to develop insect-repellent coatings. A new patent application together with AkzoNobel is underway. |
Title | INSECT REPELLENT SURFACES |
Description | This invention relates to the finding that the in vivo manipulation of the composition of the emulsion secreted by insect foot pads and/or the roughness of an inclined or vertical surface reduces the ability of insects to resist slipping on the surface. This provides for coatings or treatments which increase the insect repellent properties of surfaces and may be used in a range of applications. |
IP Reference | WO2010103266 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2010 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Further cooperation with industrial partner (AkzoNobel) to develop insect-repellent coatings. A new patent application together with AkzoNobel is underway. |
Title | Labview control programme for automated force measurement |
Description | We have developed and further improved a Labview control programme for our automated force measurement setup, which allows the coordination of data acquisition (force measurements), three-axis motor movements and video recording (analysis of contact area). The system also includes a 50-Hz force feedback system, which allows it to keep normal force constant while measuring friction or vice versa. We have made the software available to colleagues who are using compatible hardware. |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2009 |
Impact | No actual Impacts realised to date |
Title | Method for studying adhesion on rough surfaces using transparent microstructured substrates |
Description | We have developed a new method for investigating the contact of natural adhesives on rough surfaces. The technique involves transparent microstructured substrates; it allows us not only to standardise and vary surface roughness parameters but also to visualize the contact of adhesive pads and measure force, contact area and shear stress. This has led to a further grant funded by BBSRC (BB/I008667/1) to clarify the interaction of insect adhesives with surface roughness. |
Type Of Technology | New/Improved Technique/Technology |
Year Produced | 2009 |
Impact | No actual Impacts realised to date |
Description | Co-organization of Royal Society scientific meeting "Cell Adhesion Century: Culture Breakthrough" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Type Of Presentation | keynote/invited speaker |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interdisciplinary meeting on adhesion, including cell biologists, animal biologists and engineers As a result of the meeting, I was invited to contribute to two publication projects, and received one seminar invitation |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | https://royalsociety.org/events/2014/cell-adhesion/ |
Description | Invited Lecture at the CEE Workshop 'Modern Approaches to Functional Anatomy', Natural History Museum, London |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Invited Lecture at the CEE Workshop 'Modern Approaches to Functional Anatomy', Natural History Museum, London no actual impacts realised to date |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007 |
Description | Invited Lecture at the CEE Workshop 'Modern Approaches to Functional Anatomy', Natural History Museum, London |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Invited Lecture at the CEE Workshop 'Modern Approaches to Functional Anatomy', Natural History Museum, London no actual impacts realised to date |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008 |
Description | Invited Seminar, Dept of Botany, University of Bonn, Germany |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Seminar, Dept of Botany, University of Bonn, Germany no actual impacts realised to date |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | Invited seminar, Biocentre, University of Wuerzburg, Germany |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Seminar, Biocentre, University of Wuerzburg, Germany discussion with students interested in our lab |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006 |
Description | Invited seminar, Dept of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Cambridge |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Seminar, Dept of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Cambridge no actual impacts realised to date |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006 |
Description | Invited seminar, Dept of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Seminar, Dept of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK no actual impacts realised to date |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007 |
Description | Invited seminar, Institute of Zoology, University of Vienna, Austria |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Seminar, Institute of Zoology, University of Vienna, Austria meeting of collaborators |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | Invited seminar, Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Seminar, Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken Visit of Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, discussion of potential collaboration |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | Invited seminar, Life Sciences, University of Manchester |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Seminar, Life Sciences, University of Manchester discussion with students interested in our lab |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007 |
Description | Invited seminar, Solid State Physics, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Seminar, Solid State Physics, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany no actual impacts realised to date |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007 |
Description | Invited talk at 'Armourers and Brasiers Cambridge Forum' Dept. Materials Science and Metallurgy |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Invited Lecture at the "Armourers & Brasiers Cambridge Forum" (Materials Science & Metallurgy, Cambridge) Discussions with collaborators |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |
Description | Invited talk at 2012 MRS Fall Meeting on Bioinspired Directional Surfaces, Boston (USA) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 2012 MRS Fall Meeting on Bioinspired Directional Surfaces, Boston (USA) meeting with new collaborators |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
URL | http://www.mrs.org/f12-program-m/ |
Description | Invited talk at 5th symposium of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | 5th symposium of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) contacts and discussions with students interested in our lab and potential collaborators |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |
Description | Invited talk at Amsterdam ZOO meeting on Cell Adhesion |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | keynote/invited speaker |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Amsterdam ZOO meeting on Cell Adhesion further invitations to cell adhesion meetings (e.g. 2014 Reisensburg) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
URL | http://www.t3net-itn.org/single_news+M5a85f74e9a3.html?&L=1 |
Description | Invited talk at Cambridge Philosophical Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Invited Lecture for the Cambridge Philosophical Society UK Discussions with local collaborators |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | Invited talk at Congo Conference 'Motion in Biology' Amsterdam |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | keynote/invited speaker |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | talk sparked questions and discussion Discussions with students interested in our lab |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
URL | http://congres.congo.eu/2011-motion-in-biology/ |
Description | Invited talk at Gordon Conference on Adhesion Science 2011, Lewiston (USA) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | keynote/invited speaker |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | talk sparked multiple discussions new collaborations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
URL | https://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?id=13785 |
Description | Invited talk at Horizon Forum: 'Functional Structures and Biological Surfaces', Botanical Gardens, University of Cambridge |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Horizon Forum: 'Functional Structures and Biological Surfaces', Botanical Gardens, University of Cambridge no actual impacts realised to date |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007 |
Description | Invited talk at nCam2012 (Cambridge NanoScience Conference 2012) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | nCam2012 (Cambridge NanoScience Conference 2012) no actual impacts realised to date |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | Invited talk at the High Polymer Research Group meeting, Pott Shrigley UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | The 58th High Polymer Research Group meeting 2018 took place from 29 April to 3 May 2018 at Pott Shrigley UK. The Group is a charity whose objective is to ensure that leading edge developments in polymer science and engineering are made available and fully discussed by industrial and academic researchers engaged in the field. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://highpolymer.org.uk/past_programmes/2018.php |
Description | Invited talk at workshop 'Bioadhesion: from geckos to new products' INM Saarbrücken |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Invited Lecture at the International Workshop "Bioadhesion: from geckos to new products", INM Saarbr?cken Many new scientific contacts |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |
Description | Joint MRC-BBSRC-HFSPO Scientific Conference, Royal Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Research talk, and interview |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Organisation of Symposium 'Biomechanics of arboreal locomotion - a tribute to Jon Barnes', SEB Meeting in Glasgow, UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Type Of Presentation | Workshop Facilitator |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Organisation of Symposium 'Biomechanics of arboreal locomotion - a tribute to Jon Barnes', SEB Meeting in Glasgow, UK no actual impacts realised to date |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007 |
Description | Organisation of Symposium 'Mechanisms of Arthropod Locomotion' at Society of Experimental Biology Meeting in Prague 2015 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | keynote/invited speaker |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Symposium on 'Mechanisms of Arthropod Locomotion' with an international group of scientists at the Society of Experimental Biology Meeting in Prague 2015 Publication of results planned |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015 |
Description | Organised Joint ENBA - BioSmartTrainee Networking Event, Jesus College Cambridge |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | I organized a network meeting between the BioSmart Trainee international training network, and the European Network for Bioadhesion COST Action, to be held in Jesus College, Cambridge, UK from 18 to 20 March 2019. There will be 60 participants from 14 countries. We secured industrial support for the event from BASF (Germany), AkzoNobel (UK) and URGO (France). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://biosmarttrainee.eu/ |
Description | Outreach presentation at National Insect Day 2007, 2009 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Outreach presentation in National Insect Day, Museum of Zoology Cambridge Strong interest from the general public |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007,2009 |
Description | Outreach video 'Cambridge Ideas - Sticky Feet' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | presentation of the research of our laboratory |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
URL | http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/cambridge-ideas-sticky-feet |
Description | Poster presentation in 'SET for BRITAIN' competition 2009 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | 2009: SET for BRITAIN - Poster competition and exhibition in the House of Commons: James Bullock (B8, winner of runner-up prize in Biological and Biomedical Science of £1,000): Friction forces in the hairy adhesive pads in beetles multiple discussions with politicians and policymakers about research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | Poster presentation in 'SET for BRITAIN' competition 2009 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | 2009: SET for BRITAIN - Poster competition and exhibition in the House of Commons: Jan-Henning Dirks (B15): Wet but not slippery - non-Newtonian properties of the adhesive fluid in insects Posters multiple discussions with politicians and policymakers about research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | Poster presentation in 'SET for BRITAIN' competition 2009 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | 2009: SET for BRITAIN - Poster competition and exhibition in the House of Commons: Dr Thomas Endlein (B20): On heels and toes: how ants walk and climb with direction-dependent attachment structures James Bullock (B8, winner of runner-up prize in Biological and Biomedical Science of £1,000): Friction forces in the hairy adhesive pads in beetles Jan-Henning Dirks (B15): Wet but not slippery - non-Newtonian properties of the adhesive fluid in insects multiple discussions with politicians and policymakers about research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | Press release: How stick insects honed friction to grip without sticking |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Press release about our paper was followed by multiple radio and TV interviews, as well as internet and newspaper coverage |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/how-stick-insects-honed-friction-to-grip-without-sticking |
Description | Press release: How the stick insect sticks (and unsticks) itself |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Press release about our paper was followed by multiple radio and TV interviews, as well as internet and newspaper coverage |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/how-the-stick-insect-sticks-and-unsticks-itself |
Description | Press release: Why Spider-Man can't exist: Geckos are 'size limit' for sticking to walls |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Press release about our paper was followed by multiple radio and TV interviews, as well as internet and newspaper coverage e.g. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-35351033 http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/interviews/interview/1001652/ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160118184359.htm |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/why-spider-man-cant-exist-geckos-are-size-limit-for-sticking-to-w... |
Description | Symposium "Ants 2016 - Ants and their biotic environment" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | International scientific conference with a focus on ant-plant interactions in Munich (Germany) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | The CamFM Science Show SpiderMan CAN EXIST; Biological adhesives with Drs Labonte and Federle |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Radio interview relating to PNAS paper about the scaling of adhesive organs in animals |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://soundcloud.com/user-639947375/biological-adhesives |