By examining the evocatively shaped shells of bivalve molluscs, researchers discovered the presence of tiny vital structures, essentially functioning like optical fibers.
Protection anti-UV
The aptly named bucards-heart of Venus (Corculum cardissa) maintain a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae that live under their shell. In exchange for this cozy and safe nest, they offer their hosts valuable nutrients.
Intrigued by the fact that these molluscs manage to channel external light while remaining closed, Dakota McCoy, of the University of Chicago, and his colleagues discovered that the shells of these molluscs were dotted with crystal structures of calcium carbonate.
Upon closer examination, the researchers discovered that these tiny “ translucent windows » were made up of long, fine fibers of a mineral called aragonite, which had the particularity of allowing twice as much light to pass through. photosynthetically useful » than harmful ultraviolet light.
« We wear sunscreen to protect ourselves from ultraviolet rays, which are known to cause mutations and cancer », Write the authors of the new study, published in the journal Nature Communications. « Venus core bucards essentially use these structures as anti-UV protection.. »
Broad implications
Although they lack the protective and insulating sheath that envelops the optical fibers produced in the factory, it turns out that aragonite wires transmit light just as efficiently.
According to McCoy, taking inspiration from this could potentially make it possible to create cables that are both simpler (involving reduced manufacturing costs) and efficient, and lead to new breakthroughs in the field of optics.
A few years ago, Canadian researchers were inspired by oysters to develop a new type of glass, more resistant and flexible.
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