science 🦎 Gecko skin's tiny hairs keep it hydrated
Geckos in dry shrublands face serious dehydration risks due to their thin skin. Researchers from Kiel University investigated the function of tiny body hairs called setulae on these lizards. Using fluid dynamics models, they simulated the air flow across the gecko's skin structure. The study revealed that the setulae trap air, which helps to shelter the skin and prevent water loss. The team plans to confirm these findings using real and artificial gecko skin samples. 🦎