Welcome to the Comparative Biomaterials Lab at Chapman University led by Dr. Douglas Fudge. We study a wide range of materials made by animals, including nano-scale filaments within cells, slimes secreted to ward off predators, and large structures like the keratinous plates of baleen whales. Recent research on the biology of hagfishes took us to the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador.
We are committed to applying what we learn from the study of biomaterials to real-life challenges, such as how we can make high performance materials for industry that are more eco-friendly in their manufacture and disposal. Animals make outstanding materials for a wide variety of functions without the benefit of petroleum and without fouling their environment, and we believe that humans could do the same if we listen to the lessons biology has to teach.
To explore current research in the Comparative Biomaterials Lab, click on the links below and check out our Publications.
Fudge Lab News
No One is Prepared for Hagfish Slime
Read this article from The Atlantic describing the wonders of hagfish slime (and quoting Dr. Fudge!): https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/01/hagfish-slime/581002/
An ‘Academic Minute’ on hagfish biomechanics
Dr. Fudge appeared on the podcast "Academic Minute" recently, where he discussed the results of a recent paper led by MSc student Sarah Boggett on the biomechanics of predator-prey interactions between hagfishes and sharks. You can listen to the podcast here.
Fudge Lab moves to the Keck Center
The Fudge Lab officially moved into the Keck Center for Science and Engineering.
More on slime gland refilling from Sarah Schorno
PhD student Sarah Schorno's latest publication is on the cellular basis of refilling in hagfish slime glands. This paper represents a major leap forward in our understanding of how hagfishes recharge their slime glands after a sliming event. Here is the link to...
Fudge Lab receives NSF funding
The Fudge Lab was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation for a project entitled "Biogenesis and evolution of hagfish slime and slime glands." The project is a collaboration with Dr. David Plachetzki at the University of New Hampshire and will investigate...
Research Projects in the Fudge Lab
