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ePaper created 2014-12-22, 09:34:33 | version 1.34.00
Energy I Earth and Environment I Health I Aeronautics, Space and Transport I Key Technologies I Structure of Matter 33 STICKING LIKE A GECKO A gecko’s feet have one clear advantage over adhesive tapes: even after repeated contact with dirt and dust they still adhere efficiently to smooth surfaces. Researchers at KIT and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, have now developed the first adhesive tape that not only adheres to a surface as effectively as a gecko’s foot, but also possesses similar self-cleaning properties. The tape retains its adhesive quality even after multiple uses and has obvious applications in areas such as food packaging and medical bandaging. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Scanning electron micrograph of micro- hairs modelled on the structures on a gecko’s foot. The hairs are shown be- fore and after cleaning (small image) by means of lateral friction contact with a smooth surface. Image: M. Röhrig/KIT Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Centre for Materials and Coastal Research (HZG) Forschungszentrum Jülich THE IRIDESCENCE OF THE BIRD-OF-PARADISE Male birds-of-paradise use the play of colours generated by their feathers to impress potential mates. Physicists from Jülich and Groningen in the Netherlands have now used computers to simulate the optical properties of the neck and breast feathers of one bird-of-paradise species. As they report, the results of the simulation show a very high degree of correspondence to previously measured light-scattering patterns and reflec- tance spectra. This work has enabled the researchers to provide a precise explana- tion of how the feathers’ colours are generated through the reflection of light on the nanostruc- tures within them. NEW LICENSEE ADOPTS TECHNOLOGY “MADE IN GEESTHACHT” Since 1999, solid state joining specialists at the HZG have been awarded twelve patents. This success has come from research on friction-based joining technologies used to connect very different materials, such as aluminium and steel or fibre-reinforced plastics and metals. Durable connections between such materials are vital to the development of lighter, damage-tolerant aircraft constructions and crash-proof vehicle components. A licensee cooperation agreement covering all twelve patents has now been signed with the machine construction specialist Loxin, which has its headquarters in Esquiroz, Spain. Fascinating for both female birds-of-paradise and scientists: the plumage of the male Lawes’s parotia. Image: Justin Marshall Joining technology allows different materials to be stably welded together, for example, in aircraft construction. Image: HZG Decoding the Human Brain The aim of this programme is to use innovative imaging techniques in order to develop a structurally and functionally realistic multimodal model of the human brain for basic and translational research. Due to the complexity of the brain and the extensive changes during the life span, this goal can only be achieved by using high-performance computers. Key Technologies for the Bioeconomy Combining the two fields of biotechnology and plant science, this programme focuses on the development of future technolo- gies that can be used to develop a sustainable bioeconomy. The work on industrial biotechnology concentrates on the biobased production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and proteins using microbial and enzymatic processes. The research in the field of plant science will help to improve the quality of plant biomass and the production of plant-based chemicals and recyclables.