Understanding the strength of the shellfish’s underwater
attachments could enable better glues and biomedical interfaces.
Unlike barnacles, which cement themselves tightly to the
surfaces of rocks, piers or ships, the clamlike bivalves called mussels dangle
more loosely from these surfaces, attached by a collection of fine filaments
known as byssus threads. This approach lets the creatures drift further out
into the water, where they can absorb nutrients — although in the process, it
exposes them to the risk of being torn away by the force of crashing waves.