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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!

Join the conversation on and .

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 ϳԹ Radio, the host of the podcast 'Literary Disco,' and the Managing Director of Sea Tea Improv. She also worked on ϳԹ Radio's 'The Radius Project,' an exploration of history and culture in Hartford's neighborhoods.
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