Bodil Holst, a nano-physicist from the University of Bergen, studied polar bear fur after discovering how it remains ice-free in frigid water. Unlike most mammalian hair, polar bear fur contains a unique mix of greasy compounds that prevent ice from clinging. Her investigation employed high-powered microscopy, leading to the realization that structural properties were not responsible. Instead, the greasy texture of polar bear fur was crucial in maintaining its anti-icing capabilities, suggesting avenues for eco-friendly alternatives to existing anti-ice chemicals.
The work could eventually lead to more environmentally friendly alternatives to existing anti-ice chemicals. Hair grease is the secret, it turns out.
We couldn't really see anything special, they just looked normal. We started to suspect, there's more to this than structure.
When the team washed the hair, it largely lost its anti-icing properties. We realized that this was down to polar bear hair grease, effectively.
They found high levels of certain compounds that are especially resistant to freezing, specifically because ice has a harder time sticking to them.
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