Scientists — why the melanin absorbs the light Bashny.Net

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Melanin and, in particular, the form called eumelanin — is the primary pigment that gives human colour to the skin, hair and eyes. It protects the body from the hazards of ultraviolet and other radiation that can damage cells and lead to skin cancer, but the exact reason why the compound is so effective at blocking such a broad spectrum of sunlight has remained a mystery.

Researchers from mit and other research institutions revealed the secret natural pigment. A team of scientists used the experimental analysis and combination calculations and determined that a major factor in broadband absorption is the physical location of the components and not chemical characteristics. The combination of a certain order and "disorder" produces a "smearing" of the spectral absorption of the material and ensures its broadband blocking ability.

The researchers found: the material forms tiny crystals with a chemically ordered state, but with random internal location. For example, the orientation of the molecules can be arbitrary and the sizes of the crystals different, forming aggregate disordered structure. Engineer Markus Buhler said, "Is a naturally existing composites. Understanding of the origin of the optical properties eumelanin can help in the creation of new synthetic materials.

Source: nauka24news.ru/