Three Tricks From Nature

Living things cracked attachment problems that stumped engineers for decades:

• Velcro from burrs: Burdock's hooks became a fastener used from shoes to spacecraft.
• Gecko feet from molecules: Half a million setae per toe turn faint van der Waals pulls into a full-body grip.
• Mussel glue from the sea: DOPA-tipped threads bond to wet rock better than store-bought adhesive.

None need toxic chemicals, high heat, or rare materials.