Sari’s Science Friday Which came first? Now we know

It is Science Friday here at Sari’s World. This week British scientists, looking at the formation of eggs shells think they may have found the answer to the age old question “which came first, the chicken or the egg”. So, next time someone wants to debate this, you will be well armed with a brilliance answer! Beer bet anyone?

It is an age-old riddle that has perplexed generations: Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Now British scientists claim to have finally come up with the definitive answer: The chicken.
The scientific and philosophical mystery was purportedly unraveled by researchers at Sheffield and Warwick universities, according to the Daily Mail newspaper.
The scientists found that a protein found only in a chicken’s ovaries is necessary for the formation of the egg, according to the paper Wednesday. The egg can therefore only exist if it has been created inside a chicken.
The protein speeds up the development of the hard shell, which is essential in protecting the delicate yolk and fluids while the chick grows inside the egg, the report said.
“It had long been suspected that the egg came first but now we have the scientific proof that shows that in fact the chicken came first,” said Dr. Colin Freeman, from Sheffield University’s Department of Engineering Materials, according to the Mail.
“The protein had been identified before and it was linked to egg formation, but by examining it closely we have been able to see how it controls the process,” he said.
Professor John Harding, from the same department, said the discovery could have other uses, according to the Daily Mail.
“Understanding how chickens make egg shells is fascinating in itself but can also give clues towards designing new materials and processes,” he said.
“Nature has found innovative solutions that work for all kinds of problems in materials science and technology — we can learn a lot from them.”
The discovery was revealed in the paper Structural Control Of Crystal Nuclei By An Eggshell Protein.

Author: sarij

I'm a writer, lifelong bibliophile ,and researcher. I hold a Bachelors in Humanities & History and a Master's in Humanities. When I'm not reading or talking about Shakespeare or history, you can usually find me in the garden discussing science or politics with my cat. View all posts by sarij