Red Sweat: Hippo skin oozes antibiotic sunscreen

The hippo version of sweat is red-orange, and Japanese researchers have now isolated two pigments responsible for the colorful glow.

SAFER SWEAT-ERS. Hippo skin glands release pigments that may prevent infection and sunburn. EyeWire

Tests so far confirm years of speculation that this skin secretion can block microbial growth as well as some ultraviolet light, says Kimiko Hashimoto of Kyoto Pharmaceutical University.