Mechanical injury is a prevalent challenge in the lives of animals with myriad potential
consequences for organisms, including reduced fitness and death. Research on animal …

The successful interfacing of electronics with biology is the next frontier for microelectronics
and nanotechnology. Melanin, a naturally occurring conjugated polymer composed of …

Laboratory studies have demonstrated that a single phenotype can be produced by many
different genotypes; however, in natural systems, it is frequently found that phenotypic …

Exoskeletons are a defining character of all arthropods that provide physical support for their
segmented bodies and appendages as well as protection from the environment and …

Polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) contain the structurally similar enzymes tyrosinases (TYRs)
and catechol oxidases (COs). Two cDNAs encoding pro-PPOs from tomato (Solanum …

Bacteria are the source of many bioactive compounds, including polymers with various
physiological functions and the potential for medical applications. Pyomelanin from …

Bivalve molluscs comprise 20,000 species occupying a wide diversity of marine habitats. As
filter feeders and detritivores they act as ecosystem engineers clarifying water, creating …

Chitosan, obtained by deacetylation reaction of chitin, is a regular biopolymer with unique
properties, including high biological and sorption activities. Melanin is considered as a …

Multiple cave populations of the teleost Astyanax mexicanus have repeatedly reduced or
lost eye and body pigmentation during adaptation to dark caves. Albinism, the complete …

For animals that synthesise their chemical compounds de novo, resources, particularly
proteins, can influence investment in chemical defences and nitrogen-based wing …