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High-tech Melanin Might Help Put Technology Inside Our Bodies

BILL ANDREWS | March 27, 2019

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We have a complicated relationship with melanin, the natural chemical pigment that gives color to our eyes, hair and skin. It protects our skin from harmful radiation from the sun, but can also lead to cancer. Theres also the whole matter of discrimination based on differences in physical appearance caused by melanin, which we as a species are apparently still working on.Scientifically, things are no different. A type of melanin known as eumelaninis electrically conductive, meaning it could be a great material for biotechnology, since our bodies are already familiar with the stuff and its a biodegradable substance. But, this kind of melanin is unfortunately not quite conductive enough to be useful right now - electricity just doesnt flow as well across it as we need it to.

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