Development, Regeneration, and Evolution of Feathers

The document reviewed the development, regeneration, and evolution of feathers over the past three decades, focusing on their complex structure and functions in endothermy, communication, and flight. It discussed the development of feather buds in chicken embryos, the regenerative cycling of feather follicle stem cells, and the formation of barb branching and pigmentation patterns. The study also explored the role of hormones in feather growth and identified genetic variants of feathers. The discovery of feathered dinosaurs redefined the relationship between feathers and birds, and the research highlighted the biomimetic potential of feathers in biomaterials and flight studies.