Biomimetic ultrablack from wool

Researchers mimicked the nanoscale barb structure and melanin chemistry of the riflebird’s feathers to make a polydopamine‑dyed, plasma‑etched merino wool that absorbs ~99.87% of incoming light. The process avoids toxic carbon‑nanotube routes and uses scalable textile inputs, producing a practical, low‑toxicity ultrablack material. — If industrialized, this could democratize ultrablack components for telescopes, solar absorbers, thermal control, and consumer fashion while raising questions about sustainable supply chains, standards for optical materials, and regulatory testing for new textile treatments.