Layered Spicules (IMAGE)
Caption
The anchor spicules that hold the sponge species Euplectella aspergillum to the ocean floor have an intricately layered internal structure. Similar layered structures are known to increase the toughness of materials like bone and nacre. But this new research finds that the layering in the spicules does little to enhance toughness. The research could help to avoid "naive biomimicry," the researchers say.
Credit
Kesari Lab / Brown University
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