Beijing time on July 14 news, according to foreign media reports, the first chicken or egg? This is a classic and frequently mentioned issue. It is also the ultimate philosophical and scientific mystery that lasted for hundreds of years. Now, with the help of advanced computing technology, British scientists finally unveiled this mystery - the answer is that there are eggs first.
The researchers found that the construction of the egg depends on a protein found in the hen's ovary, so the egg only exists in the hen's body. This protein is called ovocledidin-17 (abbreviated as OC-17), and it is a catalyst for accelerating eggshell development. Eggshell is an indispensable factor for protecting egg yolk and protein, and it can fully develop chicken embryo inside.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield and Warwick University use a supercomputer to "magnify" the egg formation process. This super computer named "HECToR" is placed in Edinburgh. The results show that without the OC-17 protein, the egg's outer surface cannot crystallize, forming an eggshell. This protein converts calcium carbonate into calcite crystals that make up the eggshell. Calcite crystals are found in many bones and shells, but hens form calcite crystals faster than any species - 6 grams of eggshell every 24 hours.
Dr. Colin Freeman from the Department of Engineering Materials at the University of Sheffield said: “Someone has long suspected that eggs were present, but the scientific evidence we now have at our disposal proves that it was actually a chicken. Scientists had previously discovered OC-17. Protein, which is related to the formation of eggs, but after careful research, we can understand that OC-17 protein actually controls the egg formation process. This is a very interesting discovery. All kinds of birds seem to have the same job. protein."
John Harding, a professor of engineering materials at the University of Sheffield, said the discovery has other uses. He said: “Unraveling the mystery of egg formation by hens is interesting in itself, and it also provides clues for the design of new materials and new technologies. Scientists have found innovative ways to solve various problems in materials science and technology from the nature — we can Draw a lot of experience from it."( Xiaowen)