Mussels hold themselves onto very wet, slick surfaces. Researchers knew that they used a special kind of compound for adhesion but could not pinpoint exactly what it was. Scientists at the University of California studied microbes that made a similar glue like that of the mussels. The glue has a special "primer" that clears the way on the slippery surface for the glue that makes mussels able to adhere to the surfaces. Knowing how the glue works on a molecular level can help researchers develop glues that work in wet areas where conventional glue does not work.
This study is important to me because I own a a boat, which is constantly covered by barnacles and mussles. Knowing the molecular basis for this glue could help researchers develop better boat paints that won't allow mussels and barnacles to adhere to its hull. Mussels can be annoying to deal with on boats but they are delicious to eat. The next link is a mussel
recipe I use that is quite tasty.
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