Ever wondered how geckos can climb and hang onto virtually any type of surface? I know I did! OK, maybe not. Anyway, scientists have discovered that millions of setae (tiny hairs) with tiny pads on the end are responsible for this ability, rather than any kind of adhesive or secretion that other animals use to “stick” to surfaces. The pads adhere because of molecular attraction due to van de Waal’s forces; the resultant of all the pads on a gecko could support up to 280 pounds. Researchers are already trying to figure out a way to apply this discovery, which could result in a new class of adhesives.