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Study Reveals Platypuses' Unique Hair Structure Challenges Mammal Biology

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jessica Dobson of Ghent University leads a study showing platypuses have hollow, spherical melanosomes in their hair, previously thought exclusive to birds.
These hollow melanosomes contrast with solid melanosomes in other mammals and in echidnas, their closest relatives.
The finding challenges current understanding of mammalian melanosomes, prompting researchers to pursue whether the trait relates to the platypus’s aquatic lifestyle.

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Story summary

Jessica Dobson of Ghent University leads a study showing platypuses have hollow, spherical melanosomes in their hair, previously thought exclusive to birds.
These hollow melanosomes contrast with solid melanosomes in other mammals and in echidnas, their closest relatives.
The finding challenges current understanding of mammalian melanosomes, prompting researchers to pursue whether the trait relates to the platypus’s aquatic lifestyle.