People seem to forget that the skin is the largest organ we have and toxins can be absorbed through the skin by stuff we put on the skin. Some time back we covered a story on a new material that has the potential to stick to surfaces like a gecko. Inspired by the sticky pads on the lizard's toes, scientists have invented a bandage that can repair internal injuries without the need for stitches or staples. After a few weeks, the bandage dissolves, leaving the wound repaired. The surface of the bandage has the same kind of microscopic hills and valleys that help give gecko feet their uniquely adhesive properties. Layered over this is a thin coating of glue that helps it stick to wet surfaces - including heart, bladder or lung tissue. It is the idea of Professor Robert Langer and Dr Jeff Karp of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. It could wrap around and reseal the intestine after the removal of a diseased segment. It could also patch a hole caused by an ulcer. The bandage can be folded into a small parcel and then unfolded; it can be used in keyhole surgery where conventional stitches are difficult. It is only in the last few years that scientists have found out how the millions of hairs on the feet of a gecko allow it to stick to surfaces.

The discovery has led to a string of inventions - including new types of sticky notes and tapes. Some researchers have started working on a Spider-Man suit that would allow the wearer to shimmy up walls. However, to use the science in the body, the surface has to be adapted to cope with a wet environment - hence the need for glue. The bandage has been successfully tested on animals.

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