Tech
Unique Nano-Structures Discovered on Guillemot Eggshells, Opens Up Biomimetic Potential
Mark Hoffman
First Posted: Jul 05, 2013 03:36 PM EDT
Unique nano-structures were discovered out of the blue on the eggshells of guillemot eggs, enabling them to survive precarious habitats, on exposed cliffs with no nest. A new study, presented at the Society for Experimental Biology meeting in Valencia on July 5, shows how these structures act as self-cleaning guardians of the eggs, preventing them from falling and protecting them from salt and guano exposure.
A team of researchers headed by Dr Steven Portugal of the University of London discovered the nano-scale cone-like structures following an unusual observation.
Dr Steven Portugal explained that "This work was started by accident. A water spillage over an egg collection revealed how differently water droplets acted on the guillemot eggshells in comparison to other species. The water droplets stayed as a sphere on the eggs, typically an indication of a hydrophobic surface." (how is this as the latest entry for #OverlyHonestMethods ?)
The researchers identified that these structures are unique to guillemot eggshells in a comparative study of over 400 species in total, including those nesting in similar environments, and those closely related to the guillemots.
Other analogous hydrophobic nano-structures have been identified in the Lotus Leaf, and have been mimicked in industry. The researchers expect this finding will also have important uses in the emerging field of biomimetics. -- © Society for Experimental Biology
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First Posted: Jul 05, 2013 03:36 PM EDT
Unique nano-structures were discovered out of the blue on the eggshells of guillemot eggs, enabling them to survive precarious habitats, on exposed cliffs with no nest. A new study, presented at the Society for Experimental Biology meeting in Valencia on July 5, shows how these structures act as self-cleaning guardians of the eggs, preventing them from falling and protecting them from salt and guano exposure.
A team of researchers headed by Dr Steven Portugal of the University of London discovered the nano-scale cone-like structures following an unusual observation.
Dr Steven Portugal explained that "This work was started by accident. A water spillage over an egg collection revealed how differently water droplets acted on the guillemot eggshells in comparison to other species. The water droplets stayed as a sphere on the eggs, typically an indication of a hydrophobic surface." (how is this as the latest entry for #OverlyHonestMethods ?)
The researchers identified that these structures are unique to guillemot eggshells in a comparative study of over 400 species in total, including those nesting in similar environments, and those closely related to the guillemots.
Other analogous hydrophobic nano-structures have been identified in the Lotus Leaf, and have been mimicked in industry. The researchers expect this finding will also have important uses in the emerging field of biomimetics. -- © Society for Experimental Biology
See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone