All articles tagged with #coloration
Birds, as descendants of dinosaurs, evolved feathers initially for insulation, camouflage, and display rather than flight, with their vibrant colors and complex behaviors shaped by sexual selection and sensory perception, highlighting the intricate relationship between beauty and evolutionary advantage.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield and the Central Laser Facility have discovered that the protein actin is crucial in forming the vibrant colors of butterfly wings by orchestrating the arrangement of colorful structures in the scales. Using high-resolution microscopy, they observed that denser actin bundles create more reflective ridges, and altering these structures can cause colors to fade. This discovery could inspire new technologies in sensing, diagnostics, and sustainable paints. The study was published in Nature Communications.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered that the blue color of blueberries is not due to the pigments in the fruit skin, but rather to a layer of wax surrounding the fruit that contains miniature structures scattering blue and UV light. This unique coloration mechanism could lead to new colorant methods and applications, potentially paving the way for sustainable, biocompatible, and even edible UV and blue-reflective paint. The study, published in Science Advances, sheds light on the previously unknown coloration mechanism in popular fruits and the potential for artificially engineered materials to replicate the functionality of natural wax.
A new species of tarantula with a mesmerizing electric blue coloration has been discovered in Thailand. The researchers found the spider during an expedition to study tarantula diversity in the country. The blue color comes from the unique structure of the spider's hair, which incorporates nanostructures that manipulate light. The species, named Chilobrachys natanicharum, is adaptable and can live in both terrestrial and arboreal environments. However, due to the decline of mangrove forests, the electric blue tarantula is considered one of the world's rarest tarantulas.