Based on these characteristics, Palmer suspects the scallop eye may someday provide inspiration for small
scale imaging devices that need to operate in dim - light conditions.
However, by combining the capabilities of the Surface Forces Apparatus (SFA)-- a
device that can measure the tiny forces generated by the interaction of two surfaces at the sub-nano
scale — and simultaneous
imaging using a fluorescence microscope, the researchers were able to see in real time how the cell membranes rearrange in order to connect and open a fusion conduit between them.