There is an emerging quest for lightweight materials with excellent mechanical properties
and economic production, while still being sustainable and functionalizable. They could form …

Chitin, the second most important natural polymer in the world, and its N-deacetylated
derivative chitosan, have been identified as versatile biopolymers for a broad range of …

Abstract The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas belongs to one of the most species-rich but
genomically poorly explored phyla, the Mollusca. Here we report the sequencing and …

Molluscs comprise the second largest phylum of animals (after arthropods), occurring in
virtually all habitats. Some are commercially important, a few are pests and some carry …

Inspired by the layered aragonite platelet/nanofibrillar chitin/protein ternary structure and
integration of extraordinary strength and toughness of natural nacre, artificial nacre based …

Nacre, the iridescent material found in pearls and shells of molluscs, is formed through an
extraordinary process of matrix-assisted biomineralization. Despite recent advances, many …

A number of animals have evolved to produce silk-based composite materials for a variety of
task-specific applications. The review initially focuses on the composite structure of silk …

Ancient DNA research has been revolutionized following development of next-generation
sequencing platforms. Although a number of such platforms have been applied to ancient …

Rising levels of atmospheric CO2 lead to acidification of the ocean and alter seawater
carbonate chemistry, which can negatively impact calcifying organisms, including mollusks …

An external skeleton is an essential part of the body plan of many animals and is thought to
be one of the key factors that enabled the great expansion in animal diversity and disparity …