Secrets of Skin

Almost all of us host invisible guests on our skin: Could Demodex mites be more beneficial than previously thought? And what effect does keratin have on animals?

Biologist Ben Garrod demonstrates the limits of human skin in a self-test. In animals, the versatile organ provides protection from environmental influences—and in some, it even serves for communication.

Why are sharks fast swimmers? How do snakes manage without limbs? For biologist Ben Garrod, the secret of their movement lies in the texture of their skin.