Epiphragm Illustration (IMAGE)

University of Pennsylvania

Epiphragm Illustration

Caption

Snails can anchor themselves in place using a structure known as an epiphragm. The snail's slimy secretion works its way into the pores found on even seemingly smooth surfaces, then hardens, providing strong adhesion that can be reversed when the slime softens. Penn Engineers have developed a new material that works in a similar way.

Credit

Younghee Lee

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