The high-pitched noises are as instantly recognizable as they are inevitable—thanks to the physics of friction. To learn more about the dynamics, an international research team recently examined these physics relationships in detail. Among the iconic polymath’s many (many) achievements, the 15th century thinker is famous for devising an angled contraption to help his experiments exploring friction physics. Coincidentally, the team discovered another friction consequence that recalled events in a galaxy far, far away. Beyond engineering quieter sneakers, the new findings will help improve some of the world’s most advanced engineering materials.