A solution to injuries from slips and falls may be found underfoot—literally. The footpads of geckos have hydrophilic (water-loving) mechanisms that allow the little animals to easily move over moist, slick surfaces. A solution to injuries from slips and falls may be found underfoot—literally. The footpads of geckos have hydrophilic (water-loving) mechanisms that allow the little animals to easily move over moist, slick surfaces. Polymers Analytical Chemistry Phys.org – latest science and technology news stories