Heart cockles use shells as natural fiber optics to direct sunlight to internal algae, aiding coral protection research.

Researchers found that heart cockles have shells that act like natural fiber optic cables, directing sunlight to the algae inside. This discovery, published in Nature Communications, could lead to advancements in fiber optic technology and tiny camera lenses. The study also offers insights into why corals are more prone to bleaching than heart cockles, potentially helping to develop methods to protect corals from environmental stress.

4 months ago
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