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From geckos to gum: The science of stickiness

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Geckos have a special ability to stick to surfaces.

Stickiness. We know it when we see it — or when we feel it under our feet at the movie theater. But what is stickiness, scientifically speaking?

How do geckos climb? Why don’t Post-it Notes ruin our books?

This hour, we talk to scientist Laurie Winkless about her book, Sticky, and figure out what holds it all together.

GUESTS:

  • Laurie Winkless: A science writer and physicist and the author of 
  • Dr. Alyssa Stark: A professor at Villanova University; she runs a lab that studies biological adhesion
  • Will Coldwell: A freelance writer; he published “” in The Economist

The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on , , , , or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode!

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Colin McEnroe, Jonathan McNicol, Cat Pastor, and Lily Tyson contributed to this show, which originally aired February 17, 2022.

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Julia Pistell is a freelance producer for ǻ Radio, the host of the podcast 'Literary Disco,' and the Managing Director of Sea Tea Improv. She also worked on ǻ Radio's 'The Radius Project,' an exploration of history and culture in Hartford's neighborhoods.
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