We present a model for geometric modeling and rendering of individual feathers for computer graphics purposes. The model represents the feather structure with a collection of parameterized Bézier curves. This parametrization allows easy generation of the existent types of feather structures with biologically-motivated parameters. Once the feather structure is defined, the feathers can be render...

In the process of organogenesis, different cell types form organized tissues and tissues are integrated into an organ. Most organs form in the developmental stage, but new organs can also form in physiological states or following injuries during adulthood. Feathers are a good model to study post-natal organogenesis because they regenerate episodically under physiological conditions and in respo...

INTRODUCTION Observational studies report inverse associations between the use of feather upper bedding (pillow and/or quilt) and asthma symptoms but there is no randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence assessing the role of feather upper bedding as a secondary prevention measure. OBJECTIVE To determine whether, among children not using feather upper bedding, a new feather pillow and feathe...

1. The capacity of skin constituents to participate in feather and hair morphogenesis has been analysed in chick and mouse embryos. 2. Reconstituted homoand heterospecific skin explants, consisting of epidermis and dermis from both species, were cultured for 8 days on the chorioallantoic membrane of the chick. 3. Recombinants of dorsal 11-5and 125-day mouse epidermis and dorsal 7-day or tarsome...

This paper uses a fashioned ostrich plume to conceptualize and re-present “feather-work” as being co-constituted by human non-human labor. The archives not only the hands that it but also bird-body grew feathers, insisting be conceptualized researched grown-made commodity. From this starting point, I reconstruct its journey along “feather-road”: from reared plucked on South African farm willowe...

Plumage coloration in birds plays a critical role in communication and can be under selection throughout the annual cycle as a sexual and social signal. However, for migratory birds, little is known about the acquisition and maintenance of colorful plumage during the nonbreeding period. Winter habitat could influence the quality of colorful plumage, ultimately carrying over to influence sexual ...

Ten passerine species were examined on three islands of the Azores (North Atlantic) during 2013 and 2014 in order to identify their feather mite assemblages. We recorded 19 feather mite species belonging to four families of the superfamily Analgoidea (Analgidae, Proctophyllodidae, Psoroptoididae and Trouessartiidae). A high prevalence of feather mite species was recorded on the majority of the ...

Feather mites (Astigmata: Analgoidea and Pterolichoidea) are among the most abundant and commonly occurring bird ectosymbionts. Basic questions on the ecology and evolution of feather mites remain unanswered because feather mite species identification is often only possible for adult males, and it is laborious even for specialized taxonomists, thus precluding large-scale identifications. Here, ...

Melanin pigmentation patterns are ubiquitous in animals and function in crypsis, physical protection, thermoregulation and signalling. In vertebrates, pigmentation patterns formed over large body regions as well as within appendages (hair/feathers) may be due to the differential distribution of pigment producing cells (melanocytes) and/or regulation of the melanin synthesis pathway. We took adv...

Abstract Keratinases can specifically degrade keratins, which widely exist in hair, horns, claws and human skin. There is a great interest developing keratinase to manage keratin waste generated by the poultry industry reusing products agriculture, medical treatment feed industries. Degradation of more environmentally friendly sustainable compared with chemical physical methods. However, wild-t...