First case of animals making their own essential nutrients: carotenoids

The insects known as aphids can make their own essential nutrients called carotenoids, according to new research. No other animals are known to make the potent antioxidants, which are crucial for life. Until now scientists thought the only way animals could obtain the orangey-red compounds was from their diet. Carotenoids are building blocks for molecules crucial for vision, healthy skin, bone growth and other key physiological functions.

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