2 papers
physics.bio-ph2026
Hair is a functionally graded composite, not a uniform fiber
Andrew K. Schulz, Svetlana Griego, Vesna Srot +11
Hair provides mammals with diverse benefits, including protection, thermoregulation, and enhanced sensory perception. Unlike tendons and teeth, which are biomineralized, hair is hy…
physics.bio-ph2025
Functionally graded keratin facilitates tactile sensing in elephant whiskers
Andrew K. Schulz, Lena V. Kaufmann, Lawrence T. Smith +6
Keratin composites enable animals to hike with hooves, fly with feathers, and sense with skin. These distinct functions arise from variations in the underlying properties and micro…