A scientist noticed a sea-bird's eggs were "self-cleaning" after spilling water on them.
Guillemots don't incubate their eggs like most birds, instead they leave them on exposed cliffs and other precarious places, LiveScience reported.
The eggs are surprisingly self-sufficient; they have a bottom-heavy shape that prevents them from rolling off a cliff. They also have structures on their surface to provide traction and keep the shells clean.
Guillemot eggshells had a higher water contact angle than most other birds, which means water was more likely to form beads and roll off than get absorbed. The rolling water would wash off any dirt or feces that may have accumulated on the egg.
The eggs had rougher shells, to keep them from rolling off the steep ledges where they rested. A high gaseous exchange rate prevents damage from sea-spray from the nearby ocean.
A similar nanostructure design was found in the lotus leaf, it too was water-resistant.
Manufactures have mimicked these natural techniques to make water-resistant material, but this new discovery may bring new and improved materials in the future.
The Guillemot is a member of the puffin family. It can be found on the coastlines of Canada and Greenland, according to allaboutbirds.org.
The bird prefers to forage for food in shallow waters, but has the ability to stay under water for up to two minutes and 20 seconds.
The bird's diet consists mostly of "fish, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates."
Related Articles:
Cockatoos Solve Difficult Puzzle To Get A Tasty Nut
Passenger Pigeon Could Be Resurrected
