WATCH MAN TAKE ON NATURE

Imagine being able to soar like a falcon or climb like a gecko. In new 13-part series Beyond

Bionic, underwater explorer and all-round adventurer ANDY TORBET sets out to replicate nature’s most extraordinary abilities. We asked him to reveal the five most difficult animal abilities to pull off

POMPEII WORM

The ability: Can withstand temperatures as high as 105°C.

The challenge: “I explore the science of heat resistance by attempting some firewalking, putting out a mock plane fire with the Manchester Airport fire service, and then, finally, by wearing a fireproof suit and standing inside a ‘flambé tank’ while a fireball rages around me.”

JAPANESE SPIDER CRAB

The ability: Can live at depths of up to 600m.

The challenge: “I use what’s essentially a wearable submarine to help me dive down to 600m. The suit keeps me at sea level pressure throughout, and its ‘hands’ look a bit like metal crab claws, so I’m given some dexterity tasks to do once I’m down there. I wanted to find out if I could be as functional as a crab at those depths.”

OSTRICH

The ability: Can run at speeds of up to 69km/ h (43mph).

The challenge: “I meet a man in California who’s developed a kind of stilt-boot that uses rubber bands to mimic the ostrich’s tendons, giving the wearer more spring in their step. We have a three-way race: me, him with his bionic boots, and an ostrich.”

PEREGRINE FALCON

The ability: Can reach diving speeds of f 389km/ h (242mph).

The challenge: “I try to go faster than an the falcon by strapping two electric jet et engines to my thighs, jumping out of a plane at 4,500m (15,000 feet) and turning on my boosters. It’s an augmented mented version of a sport called speed peed skydiving, where the aim is to achieve ve the fastest speed as you fall through gh the air.”

GECKO

The ability: Can climb up walls and hang off ceilings.

The challenge: “I attempt to climb up a 10-storey glass building in Boston using a contraption that combines suckers and artificial gecko skin. The suckers use pistons to create a vacuum, while the gecko skin ensures there’s a tight seal. It’s the first time that this gadget has been tested on a real building.”