Skin pigment could help strengthen foams, fabrics

Melanin is the natural molecule in animals' skin, hair and the iris of eyes that gives them color and helps protect them from ultraviolet light. Someday soon, the pigment could be found in unexpected places such as sofa cushions or clothing -- but not for its hue. Scientists have found that adding a small amount of melanin to polyurethane makes it far stronger than the material by itself.