Scientists just figured out how polar bear fur repels ice no matter how cold it is
Discover the amazing properties of polar bear fur that repel ice and prevent ice buildup. Learn how their specialized hair grease keeps them warm in freezing Arctic waters.
How Do Polar Bears Keep Ice Off Their Fur? New Study Reveals the Secret—and It Could Improve Technology
Polar bears don’t have to worry about skipping a wash day. The sebum, or natural oil, on the mammals’ fur helps them survive the harsh Arctic weather by making it hard for ice to stick to them, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances.
Why polar bear fur doesn't freeze
New research finds that grease that coats polar bear fur contains a specialized mixture of chemicals that make it resistant to freezing.
How polar bears stop ice from freezing on their fur
Indigenous peoples of the Arctic traditionally use polar bear fur for its ice-resistant properties, but the science behind the bears’ natural antifreeze hasn't been studied until now
Polar bear furs are natural ice-repellents, study finds
Unique lipids in polar bear sebum prevent ice accumulation, paving the way for eco-friendly anti-icing materials.
How do polar bears keep ice off their fur? Grease.
“Unwashed, greasy hair made it much harder for ice to stick. In contrast, when the polar bear hair was washed and the grease largely removed it performed similarly to human hair, to which ice sticks easily whether it is washed or greasy.”
Oily polar bear hair won't ice up thanks to special sebum
You have something in common with polar bears. Polar bears and humans produce sebum. It's an oily substance that comes from our hair glands. In humans, sebum helps protect your skin from irritation, infections and even helps regulate your body temperature.
Polar bear fur could hold the secret to replacing ‘forever chemicals’
Now, researchers have discovered the bears have another unexpected Arctic adaptation: greasy fur. It’s a trait that, surprisingly, might help us find alternatives to “forever chemicals,” a class of widely used compounds that are linked to a range of health problems in people.
Ice doesn't stick to polar bear fur - but why?
Polar bear fur resists ice because of a natural greasy coating called sebum. This helps them move quietly while hunting.
Why doesn't polar bear fur stick to ice?
Scientist recently discovered that natural grease on polar bear fur allows them to glide across the ice, rather than getting stuck to it.
Here's how Polar Bear's thrive in freezing Arctic Water
Polar bears thrive in the harsh Arctic due to unique adaptations. Scientists discovered their greasy fur prevents ice from sticking, helping them stay warm. A study analyzed the chemical makeup of their hair,
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