Scientists in Australia are studying the way water ‘jumps’ off a gecko’s skin – a development that could have implications for waterproof textiles.

Dr Greg Watson from the University of the Sunshine Coast told local press: "As water droplets grow they come into contact with other droplets and there's a change in energy because of the different surface areas.

"That energy has to go somewhere and it goes into the self-propulsion off the surface of the skin.”

It could have implications for durable water repellent (DWR) coatings or textiles – many of which take inspiration from nature.

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