Molecular analysis of the eggshell structure of large flightless birds such as ostriches and emus provides new insights into how they evolved. The study, published today in eLife, demonstrates that ...

Osteopontin (OPN), key protein found in avian eggshells, is likely responsible for the shells' structure at the smallest scale and corresponding mechanical properties, like how hard certain layers are ...

Researchers have examined how a chicken egg develops its hard outer shell, anchored securely to a soft inner membrane, and believe the insights have the potential to improve reconstructive surgeries ...