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Zinc-infused proteins are the secret that allows scorpions, spiders and ants to puncture tough skin

  • Written by Robert Schofield, Research Professor in Physics, University of Oregon
Zinc-infused proteins are the secret that allows scorpions, spiders and ants to puncture tough skinA close-up of the head of a leafcutter ant, Atta cephalotes, showing the metal-infused teeth on its mandibles.Ryan Garrett, CC BY-ND

The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

The big idea

Many small animals grow their teeth, claws and other “tools” out of materials that are filled with zinc, bromine and...

Read more: Zinc-infused proteins are the secret that allows scorpions, spiders and ants to puncture tough skin

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