Still, by putting adhesive tape on their shoes, the scientists were able to collect slivers of metal alloys being used for new U.S. fighter planes.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

Although Lesley's clothes had been destroyed in 1985, a few fibres had been preserved attached to strips of adhesive tape from which forensic scientists were able to extract samples of the killer's bodily fluids.

CNN: Child killer traced by DNA, 32 years on

The duct tape adhesive biofilm will also stick to shoes and spread the biofilm throughout the hospital and from one patient room to another.

FORBES: Hospitals Can Save Time and Money With Duct Tape

Duct tape adhesive is made of protein and carbohydrates.

FORBES: Hospitals Can Save Time and Money With Duct Tape

Duct tape adhesive is a biofilm.

FORBES: Hospitals Can Save Time and Money With Duct Tape

Robert Donovan, vice president of design at Griffin, was intrigued last year when he received an Inventables box holding, among other things, a tape dispenser with a small adhesive base.

FORBES: Gadgets to Go