Researchers uncover secret of eumelanin pigment's ability to absorb a broad spectrum of light
Thursday, May 22, 2014 - 12:31
in Physics & Chemistry
Melanin—and specifically, the form called eumelanin—is the primary pigment that gives humans the coloring of their 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 something of a mystery.