A new adhesive technology pays homage to one of nature’s strongest sources of suction: an octopus tentacle. Researchers replicated an octopus’s strong grip and controlled release to create a tool that manipulates a wide array of objects. It could help improve underwater construction methods or find application in everyday devices like an assistive glove. Each sucker along an octopus arm features a funnel-shaped, malleable tissue formation called an infundibulum. The unique, soft curvature allows the sucker to quickly attach and detach from a large range of surfaces, including curved, rough,…
