image: Molluskan nacre is a fascinating biomineral that provides unique fracture toughness and an iridescent color. Researchers proposed that the matrix protein Pif80 from the pearl oyster controls the development of the inorganic phase during nacre biomineralization. This material relates to a paper that appeared in the Aug. 2, 2017, issue of Science Advances, published by AAAS. The paper, by S.Y. Bahn at Pohang University of Science and Technology in Pohang, Republic of Korea, and colleagues was titled, 'Control of nacre biomineralization by Pif80 in pearl oyster.' view more
Credit: [Credit: So Yeong Bahn <em>et al.</em>]