Penn Physics and Astronomy Assistant Professor Alison Sweeney's research on undersea biooptics may have implications for solar energy and the development of biofuels. As reported on the SASFrontiers website, Sweeney's research indicates that proteins in mollusc shells, called reflectins, help propagate solar energy underwater to optimize photosynthesis in algae colonies. Reflectins also enable squids to change their own reflective qualities, and enable them to camouflage themselves in brighter or darker waters.
You cna read about Dr. Sweeney's research in SASFrontiers.
Earlier: Alison Sweeney wins Bartholomew Award.