Velcro

Scientists at the Italian Institute of Technology have developed what they describe as the first biodegradable version of Velcro which, while it won't keep your shoes on, can be attached to plants for the purposes of environmental monitoring.

The hooks in so-called "hook-and-loop" fastening materials (such as Velcro) are usually quite stiff, meaning they may damage other materials as they're pulled apart from them. Such is not the case, however, with a new mushroom-inspired alternative.

​For decades, when people have wanted to stick two things together but later pull them back apart, Velcro has been the answer. In the future, however, the material may get some competition from bird feather-inspired technology.

Scientists have created a self-healing hydrogel, that could have a number of potential uses.

Metaklett is hook-and-loop ("Velcro") made from steel and can support up to 35 metric tons and withstand temperatures to 800 degrees Celsius.

January 2, 2007 For all the high tech wonders in our life, there’s nothing quite as humbling as a simple blocked rain to remind us that we have yet to solve al