The study of polar bears can help us abandon chemicals and find natural alternatives to achieve anti-bundling properties.
Unlike humans, who see the oiliness of the hair or skin as negative – fought with chemicals – polar bears have as their survival key their thick layers of fat.
It is thanks to her that the ice does not “glue” in these animals in the north pole, used to living with dozens of negative degrees.
So far, we could believe that the large amount of hair of these animals would be enough to keep them hot. But it’s not like that: it is only thanks to the oil under it that these bears can survive the Arctic ice.
“I think no one has ever looked at this,” says polar bears scientist Andrew Derocher.
One published in Science Advances in January shows that a oily substance segregated by glands In the skin of polar bears helps to prevent yours from freezing at negative temperatures.
Through tests done with polar bear hair, the team, led by Bodil Holst, It came to the conclusion that without oil on the hair, the strength needed to push a block of ice was almost four times larger. “It’s comparable to the best running skiing you can buy”, comments Holst with a. “This is fascinating!” He exclaims.
By recreating the ability of bears to resist the training of ice, researchers expect to develop healthier alternatives to these toxic chemicals which are currently used to check the materials anti-grade properties.
“If we do it correctly, we have the possibility of making them friends of the environment,” Holst told. “This is certainly our inspiration.”
There are more and more proofs that point out that the pupas (perfluoroalchilated substances), the so -called “Eternal Chemicals” Because they have a lot of years in the environment after being discarded, they pose risks of cancer, infertility and other health problems for people, even with low levels of exposure.
“I am very excited to have been able to find out something new about polar bears,” says Holst. “I wasn’t expecting this one.”
