That Stick Anyone who's tried to pry a mussel off a rock or a boat bottom know how securely the mollusks can attach themselves.
Scientists hope to genetically engineer bacteria to produce the mussel superglue.
The lowly mussel, which is similar to an oyster, can attach itself to almost any object under almost any circumstance and hold on so tightly that it literally must be pried off. It can foul the bottom of a ship so badly that the ship loses speed. And it can clog water inlets for power plants and water systems. Recreating Nature's Superglue Now, scientists are hoping that the mussel can lead them to super-strength glues for everything from surgical implants to closing a gash in the side of a ship while the vessel is still in the water. Frank Roberto, a molecular biologist at the Department of Energy's Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, got into the act about seven years ago while meeting with representatives of the Department of Defense.