Cracking the Code: Unraveling the Mystery of Animal Patterns

Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder have proposed a solution to the age-old question of how animals develop their distinct patterns. Drawing on the work of computer pioneer Alan Turing, the researchers suggest that the same physical process used to remove dirt from laundry, known as diffusiophoresis, could play a role in the formation of patterns in tropical fish and other animals. By incorporating diffusiophoresis into Turing's reaction-diffusion model, the team was able to simulate sharp and defined patterns similar to those found in nature. The findings could have implications for the development of new materials and drugs, and may also improve our understanding of biological pattern formation.