Scientists create artificial mother of pearl

Jul 26, 2012 |

London

Scientists have created an artificial mother of pearl by synthesising the strong, iridescent coating found on the inside of some molluscs. Resear-chers from Cambridge University manufactured a material which has a similar structure, mechanical behaviour and optical appearance like that of nacre found in nature.
Nacre, known as mother of pearl is the iridescent coating that is found on the inside of some molluscs and on the outer coating of pearls. In order to create it, researchers recreated the biological steps that form nacre in molluscs. They ensured the calcium carbonate, which is the primary component of nacre, does not crystallise when precipitating from the solution. The research was published in the journal Nature Communications.

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Hogwarts-style tree house for Rowling’s kids
J.K. Rowling, famed author of Harry Potter series is planning to build a twin set of tree houses, 40 feet high in Hogwarts-style for her kids. The tree houses will be built in the back garden of her Edinburgh mansion where her children will relive a Hogwarts-style adventure replete with a secret tunnel, a specially designed trap door and a spiral staircase, all featuring in the Hogwarts castle in the Potter books.
The towers are estimated to cost around $2,32,545 and each wooden tree house is to be built on stilts and boasts balconies, carvings and turrets, the Daily Mail reported. The towers are linked by a rope bridge and can be approached by a secret tunnel hidden underneath. — PTI

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