Screaming Penguin - Source Does Matter

Scientists have discovered that Geckos use tiny hairlike structures with "little pads on the end" to stick to smooth dry surfaces vertical and inverted.

The structures actually bont at an electro mechanical level, not chemical as previously believed. A gecko using all its setae (the structures) could support (sticky wise) up to 280 lbs.

Check the linked CNN story and yes, thanks to slashdot for the lead. I used to be an amatuer herpetologist and studied biology and herpetology (with a minor in computer science) so I find this stuff fascinating, even if the story is another weblog repeater.   Sticky gecko toes have little hairs to thank: CNN