Oil-damaged Manx shearwater feathers (IMAGE) University College Cork Caption Oil-damaged Manx shearwater feathers under a digital high-powered microscope. The microstructure within the feather clumps together after exposure to oil, letting water pass through more easily. Credit Dr Richard Unitt, School of Biological Earth and Environmental Science, UCC Usage Restrictions No restrictions. License CC0 Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.