PRINTThe Good, The Bad & The Ugly
March 27, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
The Good: Geckoman
At last, geckos can benefit humans without hawking car insurance. MIT scientists created a new surgical adhesive that mimics gecko feet, which are covered in thousands of hairs. Each contains nanopillars that allow geckos to walk on walls or hang by a single foot. The scientists believe the imitation adhesive will cling tightly to human tissue. It could be used in clinical trials in two to five years, thus avoiding many sticky situations.
The Bad: The Shocker
A new study of American teenage girls found that at least one in four has a sexually transmitted disease and nearly 50 percent of black women in the age group are infected by an STD. The most common was HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer. American Academy of Pediatrics’ Dr. Margaret Blythe notes that “nearly half of the sexually experienced teens at any one time (have) evidence of an STD.” Condoms, anyone?
The Ugly: Peg-leg pirate
Paralympian Brendan Burkett had his waterproof prosthetic leg stolen while vacationing in Australia. He and his family were camping when they heard movement in their boat. The thieves ignored the surfing and camping gear but took the spare leg, which costs thousands of dollars. The World Record-holder says the thief mostly caused annoyance and inconvenience. Maybe a mermaid wanted to walk on land.
