Thursday, 27 April 2023
Detailed microscale images of the inside of a hedgehog spine have revealed that the internal structure looks similar to the inside of a citrus fruit, which may explain their strength and flexibility.
To celebrate Hedgehog Awareness Week run by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society from 30thApril to 6th May, a team at the University of Nottingham’s Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre (nmRC) have investigated hedgehog spines using a range of materials characterisation techniques including X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Microscale images were created of the interior and exterior of the spines. One of the most surprising results came from imaging of the cross section of the spine which revealed support segments and hollow sections, similar to when a citrus fruit is cut in half. The images also showed that the exterior had a ribbed surface texture and scaly microstructure.
nmRC collaborated with local charity Hedgepigs on this project to raise awareness about hedgehogs by showing the public the inside of a hedgehog spine - something they have probably never have seen before. Dr Hannah Constantin, XPS technician at the nmRC is a huge fan of hedgehogs and signed the University of Nottingham up to become a Hedgehog Friendly Campus, she imaged the spines alongside electron microscope technician Lorelei Robertson.
Dr Hannah Constantin, XPS technician at the nmRC
Hannah says: “I have very fond memories of watching hedgehogs in my parents' garden when I was a child, they were frequent visitors. As an adult, I started seeing them less and less, and after doing some research, I found out that hedgehog numbers in the UK have declined by 50% since the year 2000. Resolved to do something about it, I discovered the Hedgehog Friendly Campus initiative, and signed the University of Nottingham up. Slowly the group grew, and we now have silver Hedgehog Friendly Campus status and are currently working towards gold.
“It's great that the nmRC is helping to raise awareness about hedgehogs and I was keen to be involved. Getting people talking about hedgehogs is a great starting point to help our spiky friends. We have used XPS and SEM to study the elemental composition and structure of hedgehog spines. This is important because it will give conservationists vital information to continue their amazing work.”
Although the project didn’t analyse the reasons behind the internal structure of the spines, Hedgehog enthusiast Hannah suggests: “I would say that the fins allow for a good strength-to weight ratio of the spine. A hollow spine would be light, but easy to bend or crush. A completely solid spine would be strong but heavy. The fins resist bending and crushing, but don't add a lot of weight, and their radial arrangement probably strengthens them in (almost) all directions.”
The hedgehog spines were kindly donated by Deborah Korn from local hedgehog rescue charity Hedgepigs. The results have been collated and a short e-booklet and two posters have been produced as educational resources.
Deborah Korn, founder of hedgehog rescue charity Hedgepigs commented: “Hedgehog Awareness Week is massively important to highlight the plight of one of our nation’s favourite wildlife species. Hedgehogs have been around since the days of the sabre tooth tiger. But they are now under immense pressure as a species. They are currently on the UK’s Red List, which means they are vulnerable to the point of extinction. We humans are their main problem in their fight to survive, but we can also be the reason that they succeed and keep going for millennia to come. It is vital that we do everything we can to understand them if we are able to help their species survive. This Hedgehog Awareness Week, we are incredibly proud to have been able to help the University of Nottingham take a look at hedgehog spines in a new way using incredible imaging techniques.”
Hedgehog Awareness Week aims to encourage people to ‘think hedgehog’ and see what they can do to help our prickly friends. Small actions can create and link fantastic habitat for hedgehogs; just a little effort from each of us could make life a lot easier for them! If you don’t have a garden yourself, you can still help by contacting public space managers, neighbours, family and friends to ensure they are all doing their bit.
Lorelei Robertson, electron microscope technician operating the SEM
Story credits
More information is available from Luke Norman on luke.norman2@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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