New research finds that grease that coats polar bear fur contains a specialized mixture of chemicals that make it resistant to freezing.

“Unwashed, greasy hair made it much harder for ice to stick. In contrast, when the polar bear hair was washed and the grease largely removed it performed similarly to human hair, to which ice sticks easily whether it is washed or greasy.”

The de-icing properties of polar bear sebum could fuel new innovations, scientists say, potentially unlocking alternatives to harmful “forever chemicals” used in ice-resistant coatings today

Now, researchers have discovered the bears have another unexpected Arctic adaptation: greasy fur. It’s a trait that, surprisingly, might help us find alternatives to “forever chemicals,” a class of widely used compounds that are linked to a range of health problems in people.

Polar bears thrive in the harsh Arctic due to unique adaptations. Scientists discovered their greasy fur prevents ice from sticking, helping them stay warm. A study analyzed the chemical makeup of their hair,