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April 23, 2021

Studying structural and chemical characteristics of cicada wings

Scientists exploring the structural and chemical characteristics of cicada wings found the chemical compounds that coat their wings also contribute to their ability to repel water and kill microbes.

[Research supported by U.S. National Science Foundation grant CBET 1554249.]

Learn more about this research in the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign news story Study reveals unique physical, chemical properties of cicada wings. (Date image taken: unknown; date originally posted to NSF Multimedia Gallery: April 23, 2021)

Credit: Wayne Boo, U.S. Geological Survey


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