A genus of sea sponges grows its own light-conducting fibers that are remarkably similar to commercial-grade optical fibers–and in some ways better. A team of U.S. and Israeli researchers that recently studied several Euplectella species says the primitive creatures’ fibers might serve as a model for improved telecommunications fiber optics.
LIGHT HOUSE. A deep-sea Euplectella sponge grows light-transmitting glass fibers (arrow) that are in some ways superior to commercial optical fibers.
Log in
Subscribers, enter your e-mail address for full access to the Science News archives and digital editions.