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How do geckos defy gravity? - Eleanor Nelsen

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TEDEd Animation

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Geckos aren’t covered in adhesives or hooks or suction cups, and yet they can effortlessly scale vertical walls and hang from ceilings. What’s going on? Eleanor Nelsen explains how geckos’ phenomenal feet allow them to defy gravity.

If the spatulae weren’t shaped like spatulas, would it be better for them to be shaped like spheres or cubes? Why?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Eleanor Nelsen
  • Director Marie-Louise Højer Jensen
  • Animator Svend Andreas Rothmann Bonde
  • Sound Designer Cem Misirlioglu
  • Narrator Pen-Pen Chen

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