Cuttlefish Ink Enhances Medical Imaging
Cuttlefish squirt melanin-rich ink to escape predators. Medical researchers adapted this melanin as a contrast agent for heart imaging. It improved MRI visibility of pacemaker leads by 35% in human trials. The FDA recently approved its use in select hospitals. Surgeons can now see critical structures more clearly during procedures thanks to this marine defensive mechanism. The melanin particles bind temporarily to metal components while remaining harmless to surrounding tissues.