Fine-Tuned for Strength (IMAGE)
Caption
The Venus' flower basket sea sponge has hair-like appendages that hold it in place on the sea floor. Research led by Brown University engineers shows that the internal structure of those fibers is fine-tuned for strength. A cross section of an appendage (left) shows that the internal layers diminish in thickness toward the outside. The predictions of a mechanical model (right) suggest that this pattern contributes the appendages' strength.
Credit
Kesari Lab / Brown University
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