Scientists have proposed a potential mechanism explaining how distinctive patterns form on animal skin, which could have applications in medical diagnostics and synthetic materials. The research suggests that diffusiophoresis, a phenomenon where changes in concentration propel particles in a liquid, can create sharp boundaries and well-separated colors in Turing patterns. This finding could help understand how animals create distinct color patterns and potentially lead to the development of artificial skin patches for medical diagnosis and environmental monitoring. Further research is needed to explore the effects of particle shape and the complex biological environment on pattern formation.
A new study published in the journal Science Advances has updated Alan Turing's theory on how animals develop their distinctive patterns. The study suggests that a mechanism called diffusiophoresis, which describes the movement of molecules in response to a concentration gradient, may create sharp patterns in animals. By incorporating diffusiophoresis into Turing's equation, the simulations showed that the molecules' path created sharp outlines, unlike the fuzzy spots predicted by Turing's theory alone. The findings have implications for understanding pattern formation in animals and may lead to further research on diffusiophoresis in other biological processes.
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.
