Deep sea glass sponge under glass
PU834-4
Euplectella aspergillum is a transparent sponge called "Venus Basket" which lives on the bottom of the oceans in Asia, between 150 and 5000 meter deep. The sponge clings to the bottom thanks to thousands of "spicules", fine filaments like hair. Many researchers intrigued by its resistance, studied them. They discovered a complex structure of fibreglass and biosilice filaments that explains the resistance of this sponge, close to the optical fiber used by Netflix! But even more resistant. Scientists are convinced that tomorrow’s technologies will be inspired by the remarkable properties of this small sponge. Architects are already thinking about earthquake-resistant buildings. Medicine could also use the architecture of this sponge to create bone implants. This transparent skeleton is a traditional wedding gift in the Pacific area: The perfect symbol of fidelity because very often, a couple of shrimp entered at the stage of larvae and ended up locked up, but protected, forever. Only their eggs will get past this protective barrier. A love cage?
