A recent study uncovered that polar bear fur has a special oily coating that keeps them dry while they slide on ice and swim for food. This discovery might lead to new, eco-friendly alternatives to harmful chemicals known as PFAs, or “forever chemicals.”
The research, called ‘Anti-icing properties of polar bear fur,’ was published in the journal Science Advances. Scientists examined polar bear fur samples from Svalbard, Norway and compared them to human hair. They washed some samples to remove sebum, the natural oil produced by skin glands in mammals.
When they tested the unwashed fur against ice, the polar bear fur showed a resistance similar to specialized ski materials that contain PFAs. While these substances help ski surfaces glide on ice, they are also used in nonstick cookware and water-repellent clothing. Unfortunately, PFAs don’t break down easily and can linger in the environment for years. Studies have linked exposure to these chemicals with health issues like lower fertility and developmental problems in children.
The analysis of the fur’s oily substance revealed that it doesn’t contain squalene, which is commonly found in human sebum. Instead, it includes cholesterol and other fatty acids. “These could be unique to polar bears, but we can’t be sure, as there’s limited research on animal sebum composition,” said Bodil Holst, a physicist at the University of Bergen, who co-authored the study.
These findings offer a promising direction for creating natural coatings that could lessen our reliance on harmful PFAs. “If we approach this correctly, we might develop options that are better for the environment,” Holst explained.
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