Vivian on 23/2/2010 at 11:17
Just published in the ever snigger-inducing PNAS journal:
(
http://www.pnas.org/content/107/3/987) Snails from hydrothermal vents with what appears to be something like modern composite armour, only lighter and tougher
Blah blah, I know its just a link and some bald exposition, but I thought it was interesting. Apparently these things could spur on the kind of sci-fi body armour we know and love. Also, fucking iron snails! They sound like a steampunk tank brigade.
Dresden on 23/2/2010 at 11:37
Reading that made me feel like I just finished some alien research in UFO: Enemy Unknown.
Sulphur on 23/2/2010 at 16:22
Possible progenitors of Aquatarkus? I always felt that ELP were on to something prophetic with that album.
37637598 on 23/2/2010 at 22:52
THIS JUST IN: New way to watch a snail bubble, apply 9 volt battery to shell! Instant bum food.
Phatose on 23/2/2010 at 23:03
The thing lives under crushing water pressure at the bottom of the ocean in 400 degree acid.
You're gonna need more then a fucking 9 volter.
37637598 on 23/2/2010 at 23:17
hmm, maybe I can collect some snails and cut up their shells to use as high current resistors. If a 9 volt won't kill 'em, an ice box certainly will!
PeeperStorm on 24/2/2010 at 07:16
In related news, the Paris Heliciculture Institute is constructing a bathyscaphe to research these new mollusks. It is projected to carry a crew of 3, and will be equipped with special precision external harvesting claws, a containment bay capable of holding several tons of snails, a full kitchen, an espresso machine, and 37 ashtrays.
st.patrick on 24/2/2010 at 11:40
If it were a case of the French vs ironclad, hot acid loving snails, my money'd be on the snails.
Chade on 24/2/2010 at 22:41
Awesome, Vivian. :)
