Hippo & Sunscreen

Origin information
Published by Tudor Vieru, Science Editor, 17th of March 2009
Interviewed scientist: Christopher Viney, University of California in Merced (UCM)
Link to original source: softpedia.com

QUOTE
Turning to nature for inspiration is the key to constructing a lot of things, from very tall buildings, shaped after bamboo, to, apparently, sunscreen, which now researchers believe can be successfully made from hippo sweat. While this may disgust some, it could, indeed, prove to be the best protection anyone could hope for. The bulky animals seldom stay in the shadow, and spend most of their day submerged in water or in mud, but with their backs exposed to the Sun.

DESCRIPTION
Concise article, describing how the crystaline structures of hippo sweat shatters light and therefore works like a sun blocker. And as things in nature are multi-functional more often than not, the sweat has also antiseptic and insect-repellent characteristics.

FULL ARTICLE
Link to original source: softpedia.com