This image shows the leg of a water strider at an extreme level of magnification. This kind of imaging is often used in scientific research to study materials at the micro- or nanoscale.

Water striders are insects from the Gerridae family, known for their ability to glide across water surfaces. They exploit superhydrophobicity—extreme water repellence—on their legs to stay on top of the water. The forest of setae (hair-like structures), which trap air in them, makes this possible. The setae on water striders are not only flexible, but they also possess a tapered shape and grooves at the nanoscale. Together, they can expel infiltrated water, thus maintaining the critical layer of trapped air.

Dr Lam is conducting postdoctoral research in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.