22 days ago
- Engineers studying sea star skeletons discovered light-guiding structures embedded in the arms, combining mechanical support with optical sensing.
- The lens-like structures, made of calcium carbonate, transmit and focus light, suggesting evolution of multifunctional materials in nature.
- Sea stars achieve strength and lightness through porous architectures with smooth transitions, avoiding brittleness typical of ceramics.
- This biological design could inspire engineered materials that integrate sensing without compromising structural performance, such as in protective panels or aerospace components.