Scientists are studying the protein secreted by mussels to develop better adhesives. The tiny sea creatures that stick to rocks, the hulls of ships, and docks do so by secreting a layer of dihydroxyphenylalanine, an amino acid more commonly known as DOPA. DOPA is being studied by scientists because it has both cohesive and adhesive properties, and its chemical structure is easy to manipulate, making it easy for scientists to “change the formula” for a host of applications, the most promising being medical and woodworking adhesives. Read the full story here.
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