Natural fiber Keratin is a structural protein located at the hard surfaces in many vertebrates. Keratin has two forms, α-keratin and β-keratin and are used by different classes of animals. The naming convention for proteins follows that for keratin, alpha keratin is helical and beta keratin is sheet like. Alpha keratin is found in mammalian hair, skin, nails, horn and quills, while beta keratin can be found in avian and reptilian species in scales, feathers, and beaks. The two different structures of keratin have dissimilar mechanical properties, as seen in their dissimilar applications. The relative alignment of the keratin fibrils has a
Artificial nails Over time, exposure to MMA could cause lasting effects such as drowsiness, light-headedness, and trembling of the hands. Musicians who play stringed instruments may wear artificial nails as an aid in playing. Some guitarists like Don Ross, Doyle Dykes and James Taylor are known for doing so. Many intermediate and advanced classical and finger-style guitarists use varieties of fake nails to obtain a consistent, clear and bright tone with each pluck. The players of many ancient Chinese instruments, like the guqin, pipa, and ruan, also commonly used artificial nails. Even the Indian instrument sarod requires nails for tipping, so many