PubHawk
Biol Lett April 2013 PMID 23302867

Water-induced finger wrinkles improve handling of wet objects.

Kyriacos Kareklas, Daniel Nettle, Tom V Smulders

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Mentions

166
Peak: 12 in Dec 2021
across 7 sources since Feb 2019

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706,931
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22,023

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471,516

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Feb 2019 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions mostly revolve around curiosity about the evolutionary purpose and scientific validity of water-induced finger wrinkles. Posts like 'support is meh' and skeptics questioning if this truly improves handling show a cautious attitude, while mentions of experiments and technical vocabulary like 'glabrous' indicate some level of engaged interest. The tone fluctuates between playful curiosity and scientific skepticism, reflecting an overall moderate perceived impact.

AgreementNeither agree nor disagree

The posts show mixed reactions, with some skeptics questioning the evolutionary benefit or experimental validity, while others acknowledge the research's support or simplicity.

InterestModerate interest

Most discussions express curiosity or mild interest, especially noting facts like the experiment support or using technical terms such as 'glabrous,' indicating some engagement but not intense enthusiasm.

EngagementNeutral engagement

Posts generally reflect surface-level engagement; some mention implications or support, but there is little deep analysis or personal contribution.

ImpactNeutral impact

The overall perception is that this research has limited but niche impact, with some recognizing practical or evolutionary insights, but many viewing it as an interesting curiosity rather than a game-changer.

Abstract in brief

  • Water-induced finger wrinkles are caused by an active process controlled by the nervous system and appear when hands are submerged in water.
  • Wrinkled fingers help people handle wet objects more quickly, but do not affect the manipulation of dry objects.
  • The findings suggest that these wrinkles may have evolved as an adaptation to improve handling of objects in wet conditions.]
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Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Dysautonomia Intl.
@Dysautonomia · X

...having wrinkly fingers when hands are immersed in water may be a beneficial evolutionary trait, because we can hold objects better under water with wrinkled fingers. https://t.co/nURWgOh1pE

Jun 27, 2022 · 23 likes · 2 shares · 26,213 followers View post →
Vince Buffalo
@vsbuffalo · X

That finger wrinkles are adaptive is a hypothesis. I'm skeptical too. But get this: folks actually *conducted experiments* to test this! That wrinkles improve wet grip ability has been shown (https://t.co/rSwH8of4Ut) and refuted (https://t.co/WNY0LLNjC9). So, support is meh.

Aug 8, 2019 · 22 likes · 15,591 followers View post →
ATOME ⚛
@ATOMEE__ · X

Nov 5, 2022 · 12 likes · 3 shares · 84,020 followers View post →
Hitoshi Sawa
@dpyNonunc · X

指をあらかじめしわしわにさせていたグループの方が濡れたガラス玉を移す作業を速く行うことができた。漂母皮化が濡れた表面の物体をうまく掴むための進化的な適応である可能性 原著 https://t.co/Tw6raDTMTA 手がしわしわになる｢漂母皮化｣はなぜ起きるのか？https://t.co/BrsjzMma3M

Aug 8, 2019 · 10 likes · 3 shares · 3,220 followers View post →
피토
@pitot_philo · X

https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를 위함이라는 논문 https://t.co/5rspBTIfd3

Dec 14, 2021 · 8 likes · 17 shares · 192 followers View post →
ATOME ⚛
@ATOMEE__ · X

Aug 13, 2023 · 7 likes · 1 share · 84,020 followers View post →

All mentions

Machine Gun Learning
@MarcoPaol0 · X

@Speranzakemuore @Rotelli_MD Kareklas, K., Nettle, D., & Smulders, T. V. (2013). Water-induced finger wrinkles improve handling of wet objects. Biology Letters, 9(2), 20120999.

Jul 15, 2025 · 6 followers View post →
Rev Jerry the Scolding Nurse
@jerrysoucyrn.bsky.social · Bluesky

"Water-induced finger wrinkles improve handling of wet objects" great title, or greatest title

Dec 21, 2024 · 2 likes · 1 share View post →
Bruno_FIBRE
@Bruno_FIBRE · X

RT @ATOMEE__:

Aug 13, 2023 · 1 share · 927 followers View post →
ATOME ⚛
@ATOMEE__ · X

Aug 13, 2023 · 7 likes · 1 share · 84,020 followers View post →
Ouatchi Représente
@MomoJeffery · X

RT @Atomedesavoir:

Nov 6, 2022 · 3 shares · 1,079 followers View post →
Le petit boW'G
@BOWGLI92 · X

RT @Atomedesavoir:

Nov 5, 2022 · 3 shares · 230 followers View post →
ATOME ⚛
@ATOMEE__ · X

Nov 5, 2022 · 12 likes · 3 shares · 84,020 followers View post →
Shannon “Don’t Spread the Plague” Barnsley
@ShanBarnsley · X

RT @Dysautonomia: ...having wrinkly fingers when hands are immersed in water may be a beneficial evolutionary trait, because we can hold ob…

Jun 28, 2022 · 2 shares · 2,683 followers View post →
ochreblue
@ochreblue · X

RT @Dysautonomia: ...having wrinkly fingers when hands are immersed in water may be a beneficial evolutionary trait, because we can hold ob…

Jun 28, 2022 · 2 shares · 4,075 followers View post →
Dysautonomia Intl.
@Dysautonomia · X

...having wrinkly fingers when hands are immersed in water may be a beneficial evolutionary trait, because we can hold objects better under water with wrinkled fingers. https://t.co/nURWgOh1pE

Jun 27, 2022 · 23 likes · 2 shares · 26,213 followers View post →
.
@violetta__1225 · X

RT @pitot_philo: https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를…

Dec 26, 2021 · 17 shares · 3 followers View post →
taegeunjooso
@taegeunjooso · X

RT @pitot_philo: https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를…

Dec 23, 2021 · 17 shares · 42 followers View post →
초절정 분노 팬더
@GGCH_V · X

RT @pitot_philo: https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를…

Dec 14, 2021 · 17 shares · 86 followers View post →
김뽀록
@akzmgkwk · X

RT @pitot_philo: https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를…

Dec 14, 2021 · 17 shares · 69 followers View post →
달랴
@WhiteDahlia_FF · X

RT @pitot_philo: https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를…

Dec 14, 2021 · 17 shares · 87 followers View post →
뫄과
@_ahkrhk · X

RT @pitot_philo: https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를…

Dec 14, 2021 · 17 shares · 135 followers View post →
【 상시 마기로기 입문Gm대기 문의DM 】 백사
@nandakkooda7935 · X

RT @pitot_philo: https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를…

Dec 14, 2021 · 17 shares · 262 followers View post →
으
@EuA_ovo · X

RT @pitot_philo: https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를…

Dec 14, 2021 · 17 shares · 15 followers View post →
NF우
@personf_nfnf · X

RT @pitot_philo: https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를…

Dec 14, 2021 · 17 shares · 172 followers View post →
미야오자키 하냐아앙.오
@PabloURSOCUTE · X

RT @pitot_philo: https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를…

Dec 14, 2021 · 17 shares · 377 followers View post →
RDI
@Cardy_26 · X

RT @pitot_philo: https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를…

Dec 14, 2021 · 17 shares · 373 followers View post →
피토
@pitot_philo · X

https://t.co/RD5ZmV6vcl -삼투압에 의한게 아니라는 논문 https://t.co/MQ2hRFtoog -신경 자극에 의한거라는 논문 https://t.co/78A45JulVR -접촉면적 증대를 위함이라는 논문 https://t.co/5rspBTIfd3

Dec 14, 2021 · 8 likes · 17 shares · 192 followers View post →
%‰‱
@_No_Hindrance_ · X

@meth0307 2年後の2013年にこの論文を支持する別論文も出てるけど、否定論文は今のところ無さそう。 じゃあ、以前に比べて風呂に入ってもしわができにくくなったように思うのは、歳をとって自律神経が弱ってるのか？ https://t.co/AYeZqU340I

Dec 12, 2020 · 1 like · 100 followers View post →
Bioaprender
@Bioaprender · X

Kareklas, K., Nettle, D., Smulders, Tom V. (2013). Water-induced finger wrinkles improve handling of wet objects. PMC doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2012.999

Aug 18, 2020 · 1 like · 2,460 followers View post →
ocha_biology1
@ocha_biology1 · X

水に浸けていると

Apr 24, 2020 · 7 likes · 2 shares · 225 followers View post →
瀝青川
@ferrothorn_helm · X

@awazikat5250 ｢漂母皮化｣っていう言葉が、それなりに信頼できそうな所では水死体の死体現象としてしか出てこないのがなんかモヤポイント でも確かにそんな内容の論文はでてきた https://t.co/PYOwl4RSGh

Oct 24, 2019 · 1 like · 386 followers View post →
Mayu S. Terakawa (Suzuma)
@su_my · X

RT @dpyNonunc: 指をあらかじめしわしわにさせていたグループの方が濡れたガラス玉を移す作業を速く行うことができた。漂母皮化が濡れた表面の物体をうまく掴むための進化的な適応である可能性 原著 https://t.co/Tw6raDTMTA 手がしわしわになる｢漂母皮化…

Aug 9, 2019 · 3 shares · 1,449 followers View post →
mikan man
@mikanman_matu · X

RT @matu_mitani: @leyenda3044 ちょっと気になったので調べたよ。この研究は2013年で意外と古い。反証論文が2014年に出てる。 原著: https://t.co/5aV7rXFCJs ニュース記事: https://t.co/DatiwRu4ih…

Aug 9, 2019 · 1 share · 656 followers View post →
mikan man
@mikanman_matu · X

@leyenda3044 ちょっと気になったので調べたよ。この研究は2013年で意外と古い。反証論文が2014年に出てる。 原著: https://t.co/5aV7rXFCJs ニュース記事: https://t.co/DatiwRu4ih 反証論文: https://t.co/Xr91qGDP8f 反証論文の記事: https://t.co/giGZg2ocNe

Aug 9, 2019 · 1 like · 1 share · 656 followers View post →
は
@ZognlaUvT3YFEAb · X

RT @dpyNonunc: 指をあらかじめしわしわにさせていたグループの方が濡れたガラス玉を移す作業を速く行うことができた。漂母皮化が濡れた表面の物体をうまく掴むための進化的な適応である可能性 原著 https://t.co/Tw6raDTMTA 手がしわしわになる｢漂母皮化…

Aug 8, 2019 · 3 shares · 119 followers View post →
Hitoshi Sawa
@dpyNonunc · X

指をあらかじめしわしわにさせていたグループの方が濡れたガラス玉を移す作業を速く行うことができた。漂母皮化が濡れた表面の物体をうまく掴むための進化的な適応である可能性 原著 https://t.co/Tw6raDTMTA 手がしわしわになる｢漂母皮化｣はなぜ起きるのか？https://t.co/BrsjzMma3M

Aug 8, 2019 · 10 likes · 3 shares · 3,220 followers View post →
Vince Buffalo
@vsbuffalo · X

That finger wrinkles are adaptive is a hypothesis. I'm skeptical too. But get this: folks actually *conducted experiments* to test this! That wrinkles improve wet grip ability has been shown (https://t.co/rSwH8of4Ut) and refuted (https://t.co/WNY0LLNjC9). So, support is meh.

Aug 8, 2019 · 22 likes · 15,591 followers View post →
Simon Kirby
@SimonKirby · X

@KTTunstall @danielnettle And gets extra bonus points for using the word “glabrous” in the first sentence of the paper...

Apr 19, 2019 · 1 like · 4,794 followers View post →
Frank 'Jay' Hall
@frankjayhall · X

#FunFact #53: According to a 2013 study conducted at Newcastle University, your fingers wrinkle in water to better facilitate picking up and handling wet objects. Similarly, wrinkled toes provide better traction, much like snow tires on vehicles. https://t.co/ihRAJiqNmO

Feb 22, 2019 · 224 followers View post →