Gecko water repellent

I thought the geckos had evolved terrycloth towels.

This is quite interesting I wondered how it is that geckos always seem to be dry. I am aware that geckos were studied to establish how it is possible for them to cling onto wet surfaces, so that it could then be applied to several appliances. This proves how it is not only their feet that is so unique but their whole body.
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Do these hairs aid the geckos in any other way? Could the droplets held on the hairs act as temporary insulation? - u14012520

So the hairs in the gecko is almost an type of insulation that also prevents water from being lost, just as al plant that has an waxy substance to prevent water loss. u15034730

This is so fascinating, it amazes me how we learn new and wonder things from nature everyday that could possibly make huge changes in the way we live our lives, true biotechnology.

In what spheres of our daily lives could this discovery be implemented?

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How right are you @Reane? I love how technology can unite all the science lovers!! Each and every creature on earth is special and has their own little secrets ;)

The Science Lover

The video said that researches want to develop water and bacteria repellent surfaces. For what cause? how will we benefit from this exactly? The gecko has this function naturally, there is no proof that these hairs would apply the same function when "made by man". 15008861

The way science uses nature to advance is amazing. The abilities of the gecko could be used in so many fields to help and create, the possibilities are endless.
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I have never thought of geckos as being water resistant. Are there any other adaptations that help geckos stay dry in humid areas? Are there species of geckos that do not have this water repellent property? How does the air in the hairs help in making geckos water repellent? u15120521

I find it incredibly interesting how gecko's have evolved to be able to repel water with their skin. It would be an interesting experiment to see whether this ability could be replicated and put to use in things people use daily, such as windscreens - which would reduce the need for windscreen wipers and the need to replace them after years of use and wear-and-tear?
It would also be interesting to find whether other animals possess this ability to repel water with their skin.
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Geckos are not the only ones that use this type of structure to waterproof themselves, similar microscopic structures are also used by springtails, leafhoppers and even guillemot eggs to remain dry.

Geckos are not the only ones that use this type of structure to waterproof themselves, similar microscopic structures are also used by springtails, leafhoppers and even guillemot eggs to remain dry.
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This is very interesting and science has evolved a lot in the past couple of years. I think scientists will be able to copy the hair of a gecko but at what cost? For scientists to conduct experiments the geckos will be taken out of their natural environment and some won't survive. This will have an effect on the population and they might become extinct or threatened in the long run. But it is a interesting fact non the less.

Geckos are reptiles so does the same principle apply to snakes and other reptiles or is it limited to geckos only?
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The Brazilian Pygmy Gecko is said to be hydrophobic. This gecko is found in the amazon and has the ability to rest on a water surface as well as walk on water. Does this mean that all geckos have hydrophobic skins?

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@J Van Zyl basically yes they all have hydrophobic because they live in Hot areas. geckos are quiet fascinating, most of them are known for not having the ability to blink but they tend to lick their eyes to keep them wet, if i were them, i would not resist water seeing that i live in EXTREME temperature dominated areas..

Brazilian pygmy geckos’ skin is more than just hydrophobic. According to Matt Walker, editor BBC Earth News, their skin is superhydrophobic as it repels water completely and does not just prevent it from entering the skin. They have the unique ability to float on water surfaces partly because of their small size. 15037780

Scientists are not quite sure why this occurs but they do speculate that the gecko skin is constructed in this way to prevent water-loving microbes from colonizing on the skin of the lizards, or perhaps it is just a self cleaning mechanism. Any water droplets that don't fall far enough away and returns to the skin's surface pools together with other droplets and then self-propels off the gecko's skin due to energy changes as the water accumulates on the skin.

This is really amazing, a new discovery in our beautiful word. I am just thinking with this discovery, how much do we actually know about this beautiful world. I think we should approach the world with a more in depth look, trying to figure out all the little things (like this discovery). I think we can possible find allot of useful information in the little things in life. u15079709

I agree @Brandon Putterill! The answers to a lot of our medical needs, climate problems and other crises may be in nature. By studying our natural world more in depth we may be able to develop ways to thrive without detrimental consequences to the planet. "Gecko Water Repellent" today, "Panacea for Viral Infections" tomorrow! - u15028462

Nature once again proves useful! Are there any specific materials that scientists have in mind regarding the use of this mechanism to create water and bacteria-resistant surfaces? Does anyone know of any hindrances this ability might pose to the gecko? Or has nature proved to be 100% efficient in this case?

Is this water-repellent skin only applicable to gecko's or is there other reptiles that also have those tiny hair or something similar to keep them water repellent?
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Is this water-repellent skin only applicable to gecko's or are ther other reptiles that also have those tiny hair or something similar that make theit skin water-repellent?
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This is quite interesting that geckos actually have a kind of fur even though they are said to be naked and just have skin. Don't geckos also have little hairs on their feet tpo help them climb up smooth surfaces? The idea with the self-drying surfaces could help alot in industry. It is amazing how much humans can learn from animals!
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Thank you everyone for your posts. This is extremely interesting. We have about 12 gecko's at our home. I watch them every day. After this I am watching the gecko's with much more interest. I would like more facts on gecko's. I really adore gecko's. Are there any other animals with the same distinct characteristics? Thank you for the interesting facts

There is also the "sticky-toe" characteristic of the gecko that have inspired some incredible technology. Researchers have been developing synthetic adhesives with nano-scale fibers designed to mimic gecko toes.
Its amazing what we can learn from animals and apply this knowledge to our lives.

Scientists have also proposed that this phenomenon is used to keep the geckos clean. In desert environments, dew droplets gathering on a gecko’s skin overnight can capture small dust and dirt particles and carry it away from its body.

These new discoveries are important for research on medical implants, self-cleaning hospital surfaces and even water filters.
The geckos are small, which means they have a high surface area to volume ratio, that is they have a lot of skin relative to their body mass, which is also an important quality to have.
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This is quite interesting, it is so astonishing how nature advances science. I do however wonder if the gecko is the only reptile that has this water repellent skin? What is also very interesting about this information is the fact that they have these microscopic spiny hairs. When looking at a gecko with the human eye it seems that they are completely naked, covered with nothing except skin. Science is truly amazing.

This is quite interesting, it is so astonishing how nature advances science. I do however wonder if the gecko is the only reptile that has this water repellent skin? What is also very interesting about this information is the fact that they have these microscopic spiny hairs. When looking at a gecko with the human eye it seems that they are completely naked, covered with nothing except skin. Science is truly amazing.
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What they found here is extraordinary. These little creatures have evolved in such a way, that they are now more equipped to survive in their immediate environment. It really excites me to think of the possible technology we can develop by just observing these creatures.
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Scientists have also proposed that this phenomenon is used to keep the geckos clean. In desert environments, dew droplets gathering on a gecko’s skin overnight can capture small dust and dirt particles and carry it away from its body.

If one could reproduce this "gecko-skin" and make a synthetic version of it, could it be used to insulate certain substances seeing as there is no medium for electricity to pass through?
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An interesting fact on geckos is that they drink water by licking their eye-balls- (15086080)

Geckos have evolved to be able to use hairs in a number of ways in which to help ensure their chances of survival. This form, that combats the stagnation of water; and also whereby it results in a suction like effect on their feet against surfaces, allowing it to climb up surfaces. Could concepts like this not be used in manufacturing more efficient products.
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I would have to disagree with Bennett. We don't know whether gecko- skin is conductive or not, but a synthetic version of a material that acts like gecko-skin would have to be nonconductive to act as an insulator.

Very informative and interesting study from the research team. The speculation that this find can aid in developing “self-drying surfaces” should be investigated in depth, in order to assist in development of modern day applications.
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This is a very interesting finding. I think it is wonderful how nature works and that we can apply these things to make our own lives better by using them as a model for new inventions. Who knew that such a small creature could help us so much just by studying its skin.

This is a very interesting finding. I think it is wonderful how nature works and that we can apply these things to make our own lives better by using them as a model for new inventions. Who knew that such a small creature could help us so much just by studying its skin. 15063382

I found some interesting facts on geckos. Geckos don’t have eyelids, instead they clean their eyeball membrane with their tongue. Also, a gecko can support about 8 times its weight hanging from just one toe on a smooth glass surface. It is often thought that geckos are double-jointed, but their toes actually just bend in the opposite direction from human fingers and toes.

Discovering so many amazing facts in nature is interesting. Coupled with the intelligence and curiosity of human beings these facts can be implemented in our daily lives to make things easier. For example this discovery can be used by fashion industries to make swimming suits or clothes; for those who do not like to be wearing wet clothes during a heavy rainfall.

The video is very useful and explains the article very well. I just don't understand why a gecko living in the dessert would want to stay dry? It would make sense for a gecko living in tropical areas, but wont the water help to keep the body temperature down in the dessert? Plus water from morning dew is pure and doesn't contain diseases

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Geckos are some of the most interesting little animals on the planet, and i"ll know as I have one my self.I do want to add the following information on the topic though.Some research has been done on this phenomena and it is shown that during the process of shedding the skin that is shedded does interfere with the the natural process of getting the water of the skin. If the gecko cannot shed his skin fast enough it might cause skin and eye infections for the gecko.

This may have a very practical use in the future of bio-mimicry. Self drying as well as water proof surfaces that basically clean themselves...amazing!!

I find this study very interesting.
In other words the Geckos spiny hair is their protector against water-born illnesses.
When these spiny hair gets damages, will the Gecko be able to grow them back?

These were some truly amazing research , it sure teaches you so much more then just the basics. Well done!

The Gecko has always been a wonderful organism but now with the discovery of the dense microscopic spiny hairs through the use of a SEM it is an even more interesting organism as it has a hydrophobic characteristic thus this characteristic could be utilized in countries where people are struggling with water-born illnesses such as cholera. this could be worked on by a microbiologist. This wonderful discovery could also be implemented in everyday life and it appears as though the ideal of "Self-drying surfaces." should be investigated further. u15036945

Remember not to kill the Gecko when experimenting. However a very interesting discovery.

This study is very interesting to me, but i would like to know if when the gecko's spiny hairs gets damaged what happens to the Gecko?
Will the spiny hair grow back in time before the Gecko becomes sick because of the water-born illnesses?

I do have a question though..is this on all gecko types?

This is very interesting! It is fascinating how different bodies adapt to different climates.
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Looking at this and other blogs about similar discoveries, I can't help to wonder how these discoveries are goingto be used to create new technologies to help people in everyday lives.
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