Ever dreamed of scaling a city skyscraper like Spider-Man? Well, scientists say they are getting close to designing a real-life 'Spider-Man suit' which would allow the wearer to stick to the side of buildings.
Coming to a skyscraper near you...
The breakthrough came after research into a microscopic 'velcro' used by real spiders, which allows them to cling to smooth surfaces while being easy to detach.
A report in the Journal of Physics says the technology could allow a person to crawl up the side of a wall or hang upside down from a roof.
Italian scientists have calculated how sufficient stickiness could be generated to support a fully grown human's weight.
But before Spidey fans start saving for a deposit on one of the suits, there's a note of caution from the man who led the research.
Professor Nicola Pugno, of the Polytechnic of Turin, said: "There are a number of other mechanics that need addressing before the Spider-Man suit can become a reality."
The strength of the adhesion requires further study, as does the potential muscle fatigue in humans scaling walls for hours on end.
However, Prof Pugno admits: "Now that we are this step closer, it may not be long before we are seeing people climbing up the Empire State Building with nothing but sticky shoes and gloves to support them."
Italian boffin designs gecko-tech spiderman suit
