Damaged Cuticle of a Byssal Thread (IMAGE) American Chemical Society Caption Researchers report that metals are key to the amazing strength of mussel byssal threads, which firmly anchor the animal to wave-swept rocks. Shown is the damaged cuticle of a byssal thread. Credit The American Chemical Society Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.