Polar Bear Fur's Grease Found to Prevent Ice Buildup

Scientists identify unique hair sebum composition as key to polar bears' survival in icy environments, with potential applications for anti-icing materials.

Researchers discovered that polar bear fur's greasy sebum, composed of cholesterol, diacylglycerols, and fatty acids, prevents ice from adhering to it.
Tests showed that unwashed polar bear hair with intact grease had significantly lower ice adhesion compared to washed hair or human hair.
The absence of squalene, a fatty metabolite found in human and aquatic animal hair, is critical to the anti-icing properties of polar bear fur.
The findings may inspire sustainable anti-icing technologies, potentially replacing harmful PFAS chemicals in coatings for fabrics, skis, and snowboards.
Insights from this research also highlight how Inuit hunting methods mimic polar bear adaptations, such as using preserved polar bear fur to reduce noise on ice.