Images Reveal How Bird Feathers Form in a Wave-Like Motion (IMAGE)
Caption
Scientists have revealed how bird feathers form in a wave-like motion, creating a regular pattern in the skin. The team has identified chemical signals that are switched on and off in the birds' skin as feathers are arranged sequentially. The findings could help design strategies to reduce feather density in farmed birds that can be prone to overheating, which is a major welfare concern in tropical climates, researchers say.
Credit
The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh
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