Why do giant clams have iridescent insides?
Giant clams’ iridescent insides form a powerful system for taking in sunlight. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! I agree my information will be processed in accordance with the Scientific American and Springer Nature Limited Privacy Policy.
How do clams grow?
The clam’s algae form a distinctive orderly pattern, arranged in thin columns that stretch from each iridocyte down into the flesh. “The clam basically plants them as if it were an agricultural field,” Sweeney says. (The algae also travel between clams in pellets of poop.) and three times that of a tropical leaf.
Do clams inflate and deflate during the day?
In the new study, the researchers resolved this discrepancy by factoring in a quirk of clam behavior: there is evidence that clams might inflate and deflate their mantle throughout the day. This could let the clams further optimize their sunlight exposure, the scientists determined—allowing them to clock in at a modeled 67 percent efficiency.
Do clams eat algae?
The rest of the incoming light is absorbed, and much of it is channeled to photosynthetic algae the clams cultivate within their bodies as a food source.
Giant, Sparkly Clams Hide the Most Efficient Solar
Giant clams’ iridescent insides form a powerful system for taking in sunlight.
These Giant Sparkly Clams Hide the Best Solar Panels Ever
Discover how giant iridescent clams in tropical reefs have evolved the most efficient natural solar panels.
Giant clams could inspire better solar power systems
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How to increase solar energy efficiency with giant clams
As scientists are experimenting with how best to combine cropland with solar panels, it’s easy to imagine how Sweeney’s team’s insights from giant clams could inspire new
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Giant clams may be the most efficient solar energy
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Giant Clams Can Make Solar Energy More
Giant clams can make solar energy more efficient by achieving 67% photosynthetic light-use efficiency under natural tropical light.
Giant, Sparkly Clams Hide the Most Efficient Solar Panels Ever
Giant clams’ iridescent insides form a powerful system for taking in sunlight.
Giant clams may be the most efficient solar energy systems on
In a new study led by Yale University, experts suggest that the solution to solar energy efficiency may lie beneath the tropical coral reefs. Stepping away from conventional
Giant Clams Can Make Solar Energy More Efficient, says
Giant clams can make solar energy more efficient by achieving 67% photosynthetic light-use efficiency under natural tropical light.
Giant, Sparkly Clams Hide the Most Efficient Solar Panels Ever
Giant clams’ iridescent insides form a powerful system for taking in sunlight.
Giant Clams Can Make Solar Energy More Efficient, says
Giant clams can make solar energy more efficient by achieving 67% photosynthetic light-use efficiency under natural tropical light.

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