Mechanical behavior of ctenoid scales: Joint-like structures control the deformability of the scales in the flatfish Solea solea (Pleuronectiformes).

Ctenoid scales protect the fish body against predators and other environmental impacts. At the same time, they allow for sufficient degree of flexibility to perform species-specific locomotion. The scales of the flatfish Solea solea were chosen to study the specific mechanical behavior and material properties of the ctenoid scales.

Enhanced Locomotion Efficiency of a Bio-inspired Walking Robot using Contact Surfaces with Frictional Anisotropy.

Based on the principles of morphological computation, we propose a novel approach that exploits the interaction between a passive anisotropic scale-like material (e.g., shark skin) and a non-smooth substrate to enhance locomotion efficiency of a robot walking on inclines.

Key role of scale morphology in flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes) in the ability to keep sand.

Flatfishes bury themselves for camouflage and protection. Whereas species-specific preferences for certain sediments were previously shown, the role of scales in interaction with sediment has not been investigated. Here, scale morphology and sediment friction were examined in four European pleuronectiforms: Limanda limanda, Platichthys flesus, Pleuronectes platessa, and Solea solea.

Sticky fingers: Adhesive properties of human fingertips.

Fingertip friction is a rather well studied subject. Although the phenomenon of finger stickiness is known as well, the pull-off force and the adhesive strength of human finger tips have never been previously quantified. For the first time, we provided here characterization of adhesive properties of human fingers under natural conditions.

Evidence of a molecular boundary lubricant at snakeskin surfaces.

During slithering locomotion the ventral scales at a snake's belly are in direct mechanical interaction with the environment, while the dorsal scales provide optical camouflage and thermoregulation. Recent work has demonstrated that compared to dorsal scales, ventral scales provide improved lubrication and wear protection. While biomechanic adaption of snake motion is of growing interest in the fields of material science and robotics, the mechanism for how ventral scales influence the friction between the snake and substrate, at the molecular level, is unknown.

Morphology and frictional properties of scales of Pseudopus apodus (Anguidae, Reptilia).

In the lizard family Anguidae different levels of limb reduction exist up to a completely limbless body. The locomotion patterns of limbless anguid lizards are similar to the undulating and concertina movements of snakes. Additionally, anguid lizards frequently use a third mode of locomotion, called slide-pushing.

Microornamentation of leaf chameleons (Chamaeleonidae: Brookesia, Rhampholeon, and Rieppeleon)--with comments on the evolution of microstructures in the Chamaeleonidae.

Chameleons (Chamaeleonidae) feature many adaptations to their arboreal lifestyle, including zygodactylous feet, a prehensile tail, and epidermal microstructures. In arboreal tree chameleons, the substrate-contacting site of the feet and tail is covered by microscopic hair-like structures (setae) of 6-20 µm length. Their friction enhancing function has been shown in recent studies.

Biofilm formation of mucosa-associated methanoarchaeal strains.

Although in nature most microorganisms are known to occur predominantly in consortia or biofilms, data on archaeal biofilm formation are in general scarce. Here, the ability of three methanoarchaeal strains, Methanobrevibacter smithii and Methanosphaera stadtmanae, which form part of the human gut microbiota, and the Methanosarcina mazei strain Gö1 to grow on different surfaces and form biofilms was investigated. All three strains adhered to the substrate mica and grew predominantly as bilayers on its surface as demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses, though the formation of multi-layered biofilms of Methanosphaera stadtmanae and Methanobrevibacter smithii was observed as well.

Subdigital setae of chameleon feet: friction-enhancing microstructures for a wide range of substrate roughness.

Hairy adhesive systems of microscopic setae with triangular flattened tips have evolved convergently in spiders, insects and arboreal lizards. The ventral sides of the feet and tails in chameleons are also covered with setae. However, chameleon setae feature strongly elongated narrow spatulae or fibrous tips.

Non-contaminating camouflage: multifunctional skin microornamentation in the West African Gaboon viper (Bitis rhinoceros).

The West African Gaboon viper (Bitis rhinoceros) has an extraordinary coloration of pale brown and velvety black markings. The velvety black appearance is caused by a unique hierarchical surface structures which was not found on the pale brown scales. In the present study we examined the wettability of the vipeŕs scales by measuring contact angles of water droplets.

Snake velvet black: hierarchical micro- and nanostructure enhances dark colouration in Bitis rhinoceros.

The West African Gaboon viper (Bitis rhinoceros) is a master of camouflage due to its colouration pattern. Its skin is geometrically patterned and features black spots that purport an exceptional spatial depth due to their velvety surface texture. Our study shades light on micromorphology, optical characteristics and principles behind such a velvet black appearance.

Subdigital and subcaudal microornamentation in Chamaeleonidae--a comparative study.

Locomotion on horizontal and vertical substrates requires effective attachment systems. In three clades of arboreal and rupicolous Iguanidae, Gekkota and Scincidae adhesive systems consisting of microscopic hair-like structures (setae) have been evolved independently. Also the substrate contacting sites on toes and tails of chameleons (Chamaeleonidae) are covered with setae.