Gel May Provide Clue to Sharks' Nose for Prey

NPR | By Joe Palca

Published January 29, 2003 at 12:00 AM EST

A gel inside the snouts of great white sharks generates an electrical current when exposed to different temperatures. Some fish congregate in water of a specific temperature, and the gel could be a reason sharks are good at finding their meals. NPR's Joe Palca reports.

Joe Palca

Joe Palca is a science correspondent for NPR. Since joining NPR in 1992, Palca has covered a range of science topics — everything from biomedical research to astronomy. He is currently focused on the eponymous series, "Joe's Big Idea." Stories in the series explore the minds and motivations of scientists and inventors. Palca is also the founder of NPR Scicommers – A science communication collective.

See stories by Joe Palca

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