Reports that Professor Li of Harvard University has copied the properties of slug slime to develop a surgical glue that can be effectively used in wet tissues (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jul/27/from-goo-to-glue-slug-slime-inspires-new-wound-mending-surgical-adhesive). He basically found that the defensive slime of our molluscan mates had many positively-charged protein polymers and combined similar materials with hydrogels to produce a wound-sealing adhesive. This is yet another example of developing something of use to humans by studying the properties of animals. Not many people would connect slugs and surgery.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Friday, 28 July 2017
Slugging it Out!
Reports that Professor Li of Harvard University has copied the properties of slug slime to develop a surgical glue that can be effectively used in wet tissues (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jul/27/from-goo-to-glue-slug-slime-inspires-new-wound-mending-surgical-adhesive). He basically found that the defensive slime of our molluscan mates had many positively-charged protein polymers and combined similar materials with hydrogels to produce a wound-sealing adhesive. This is yet another example of developing something of use to humans by studying the properties of animals. Not many people would connect slugs and surgery.
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