Question: what would we used the the frog glue mechanisms for in everyday use?

Diana Samuel answered on 21 Jun 2011:

I should emphasise first of all that the frogs do not stick to surfaces using a glue, since this would mean they would struggle to remove their pads again. Because they attach their pads to surfaces whilst locomoting (so, for instance, while they’re climbing), they need to make good contact and then be able to remove their pads again, with each step. Thus, the mucus they release from their pads is quite watery and allows the frogs to stick and ‘unstick’ as and when necessary.

The pattern of their toe pads could be used to develop new adhesives; this can be achieved by ‘copying’ the pattern onto polymers, adding a fluid that’s similar to the mucus, and ensuring it performs just as well as the real thing. These adhesives could be used for many different applications, such as for more efficient wet-weather car tires and for tapes that can stay attached to skin even when you sweat.