"This" could be lots of fun....

[KickChick]

Scientists invent new 'gecko' adhesive that allows you to walk up walls. (http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=31&art_id=vn20030602073453122C290714&set_id=1)

[r4bid]

except a 1cm square holds about a kilogram, you would have to be very very wide but light to actually climb anything with this stuff. If they could make it more dense (or stronger in some other way) such that it could support the average human body with just the hands, feet and part of the midsection I would most definitly go and get myself a suit.

Spiderman, Spiderman, friendly neighborhood Spiderman...

[Fergie Boy]

If you take your average man to be about 80 kilos that would be about 80 square cm my ritght hand measures about 9 by 15 which is 135 square cm. sounds like plenty to me.

[LilBunnyRabbit]

If you take your average man to be about 80 kilos that would be about 80 square cm my ritght hand measures about 9 by 15 which is 135 square cm. sounds like plenty to me.

Only if your right hand were a flat, square rectangle. In reality you probably get about a quarter of that making contact. Of course, you could always add feet, or better, forearms.

[Knight_Errant]

Or you could use the stairs, man...

[johndoch]

man you'd be knackered after 5 mins tryin to pull 1kg/cm^2 of a surface every time you had to move. We are definitely not Geckos

[LilBunnyRabbit]

man you'd be knackered after 5 mins tryin to pull 1kg/cm^2 of a surface every time you had to move. We are definitely not Geckos

Actually it wouldn't be much harder, or possibly easier, than climbing a climbing wall, which isn't too tough. Then add in the fact that you need no handholds for it, and you don't need to grip.

[darlph]

So now everyone can safely rock climb? Wouldn't you lose a little of the adhesive every time you lifted for hand or foot from the surface unless you could secrete more?

[Knight_Errant]

nah, I imagine it's strong enough that wouldn't happen. But don't go climbing 5-storey buildings at home, kids! it probably takes more training than that. Plus, I bet it costs a ****ing bomb...