Clams inspire breakthroughs in fiber optic cable design

A new study by researchers from Duke University and Stanford University reveals that heart cockles, named for their heart-shaped shells, have unique structures in their shells that act like fiber optic cables, channeling specific wavelengths of light into their tissues. Using electron and laser microscopy, along with computer simulations, the researchers discovered that the translucent areas of the cockles’ shells contain hair-thin strands arranged in bundles, which effectively deliver light deep into the bivalve’s tissues.