The squeal of peeling tape, explained

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT 02 March 2026 The squeal of peeling tape, explained Weak shock waves triggered by micro-cracks in the adhesive layer of tape cause it to screech when being unspooled from its roll. Email Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Whatsapp X Access through your institution Buy or subscribe Experiments have uncovered the physical mechanism responsible for the screeching sound that adhesive tape makes when peeled from a roll 1 . Access options Access through your institution Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription $32.99 / 30 days cancel any time Learn more Subscribe to this journal Receive 51 print issues and online access $199.00 per year only $3.90 per issue Learn more Rent or buy this article Prices vary by article type from $1.95 to $39.95 Learn more Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-00516-w References Li, E. Q. et al. Phys. Rev. E 113 , 025508 (2026). Article Google Scholar Download references Subjects Physics Latest on: Physics Limitations of probing field-induced response with STM Matters Arising 25 FEB 26 Reply to: Limitations of probing field-induced response with STM Matters Arising 25 FEB 26 Light-confining device can control superconductivity — even in the dark News & Views 25 FEB 26 Jobs AMO Physicist Nu Quantum are seeking applications for an AMO Physicist Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Nu Quantum Head of Quantum Hardware Nu Quantum are seeking applications for a Head of Quantum Hardware Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Nu Quantum Senior AMO Physicist Nu Quantum are seeking applications for a Senior AMO Physicist Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Nu Quantum Faculty Positions at Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake University Seeking scientists in pathobiology, immunology, vaccinology, epidemiology, drug discovery, focusing on microbial infections and inflammations. Hangzhou, Zhejiang Center for Infectious Di...