OMSI’s Science Pub event for November takes place this Tuesday the 17th at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan).

Lewis & Clark College professor of biology Kellar Autumn, Ph.D. explains How Geckos Stick and Why We Care.

Geckos can run up smooth vertical surfaces but, until recently, no one knew how they did it. Looking at the structure of gecko feet at the nanoscale and measuring the tiny forces involved showed that gecko feet stick mechanically, not chemically. This discovery lead to the development of the world’s first adhesive that is dry, self-cleaning, reversible, and can even work in the vacuum of outer space. Designs based on gecko feet are being used to create robots that can run up walls, and this adhesive could bring changes to the manufacture of everything from home electronics to car brakes. At this Science Pub we will talk about how the study of mechanisms and evolution of animal locomotion has lead to biologically inspired materials and machines.

(If this all sounds familiar to you, it may be because this one is a rerun of the Science Pub originally held on 9/30/08.)

The event runs from 7 to 9pm, but arrive early (5pm doors open) to secure your beer, grub, and a seat! There’s a $2.00 suggested donation/cover charge.

This is the last Portland Science Pub event of the year. The next one will be on Tuesday, January 26th.