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
A close-up of the head of a leafcutter ant, Atta cephalotes, showing the metal-infused teeth on its mandibles.Ryan Garrett, CC BY-NDThe 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...