"ARMS WITH EYES: THE VISUAL SYSTEM OF A STARFISH"
In the course of evolution nature has developed strategies that endow biological processes with exquisite specificity and materials with unique properties. This is wonderfully exemplified in the realm of crystal formation by organisms. This presentation is aimed at revealing some of the fundamental mechanisms of the formation of calcium carbonates in biological systems, including the regulation of their intricate shapes, mechanical and optical properties, as well as at describing the application of these strategies to control artificial crystallization. Clearly, the study of biological systems will increase our understanding of how organisms evolved their sophisticated optical structures and will provide new materials concepts and design solutions for optical technology