TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Every Wednesday, Meteorologist Max Tsaparis shares some cool science with us. This week, we're talking about a soft robot, some fancy footwork inspired by a gecko and the black sea devil anglerfish.
First we are looking at a robot that is made out of pink silicone so it can withstand extreme temps and can even be run over without harm. Robots can face a wide array of challenges and the researchers at Harvard that created it say they would like it to withstand anything a robot could face.
Scientists at Stanford designed pads that replicate exactly how gecko's hands and feet work. These pads are made out of silicone and are comprised of 24 small panels that aren't exactly sticky but on a microscopic level, when placed on a smooth surface, the electrons rush to one side and cause an attraction between the pad and the wall. They hope one day to use these for military purposes.
Finally we are looking at the black sea devil anglerfish. Anglerfish have only been caught on camera six times and this is actually the first time anyone's ever seen on this specific species. But the researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium caught it swimming approximately two thousand feet down. The light on top of the fish's head lures prey and its large mouth sucks it in for a quick meal.
For more fun Tscience, tune into Tsaparis Tscience every Wednesday morning on WTXL's Sunrise.
