To hide from predators, the larvae of some crustaceans camouflage their dark eyes with photonic glass that reflects light of the same colour as the water they inhabit
at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel and his colleagues investigated how transparent-bodied larvae of the giant freshwater prawn conceal their dark eyes from predators.They discovered that their eyes are overlaid by photonic glass – a material made up of a disorderly arrangement of spherical particles that has unusual optical properties.
“The key thing is that the colour of the reflector is the same from all viewing angles,” says Palmer, as this is important to conceal them from predators. The team found that the photonic glass was made of nanospheres of a substance called isoxanthopterin. Using optical and electron microscopy, they saw that these nanospheres could rearrange themselves to produce slightly different shades of yellow and green. This may allow the larvae to move from shallow yellow water to deeper green water while maintaining their disguise, says Palmer.
Those that live in the sea, for example, have reflectors that produce shades ranging from bright blue to silvery blue. The isoxanthopterin nanospheres are extremely efficient at reflecting light, suggesting they could have industrial applications, says Palmer. “There is currently a great interest in finding organic, biocompatible, high-refractive-index materials as replacements for inorganic materials in pigments, cosmetics and other optical materials,” he says.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Shrimp Larvae Have a Bizarre Secret Way to Hide From PredatorsThe answer involves very, very tiny disco balls. Yes, really.
Leer más »
'Run, Hide, Fight' strategy common in lockdown generationThe terror induced by an alert to “Run, Hide, Fight” is not unique to Michigan State
Leer más »
'Run, Hide, Fight' strategy common in lockdown generationAt colleges and elementary schools, “Run, Hide, Fight” goes by several different names. But the theme is the same: Get out of harm’s way, hide or barricade, and if an assailant finds you, take action.
Leer más »
Predators prospect suspended for 10 games after poking fan with stick at QMJHL gameZachary L’Heureux, a Nashville Predators prospect, has been suspended for 10 games by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League following an incident in which he apparently shoved his stick at a fan while leaving the ice, the league announced Wednesday.
Leer más »
Run, hide, fight active shooter training might not be the most effective, expert saysSome law enforcement agencies are shifting away from the hide piece of this and preparing people to 'take action' instead.
Leer más »