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If you have a chance to take a close look at a mussel in the wild, you will notice is is hanging on by many tiny threads, these are called byssal threads and are extremely strong with good elastic properties.
There is a plethora of information on byssal threads, it even seems the Romans used to weave byssal threads into a lightweight and warm cloth known as sea silk. Recent research had been conducted regarding the adhesive properties, this article discusses how a key amino acid discovered from mussels is now being used as a wood glue.
Please comment if you can think of other species in nature that could advance composite materials.
Photo Credit: jkirkhart35 via flicker
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