Articles tagged with Animal Camouflage
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Researchers at Stanford University have created a flexible material that can change color and texture like an octopus in a matter of seconds, with patterns finer than a human hair. The material uses electron-beam patterning to control topography and visual properties at the nanoscale, opening up opportunities for dynamic camouflage, we...
The white oval squid employs a range of survival strategies, including color matching, disruptive patterns, and synchronized schooling. By analyzing the mathematical patterns behind their behavior, researchers have confirmed the effectiveness of these strategies in evading predators and camouflaging in diverse environments.
A recent study investigates the genetics and evolution of melanism in the tea geometrid moth, revealing a highly constrained mechanism. The research team found distinct mutations around a genetic hotspot responsible for independently derived melanism in various populations across China.
A UNIGE team has identified a single gene, CLCN2, that determines the corn snake's diverse skin pattern diversity. The study found that variations in this gene lead to distinct coloration patterns, including red blotches and stripes.
A study from Lund University found that reptiles living in open habitats generally have brighter colouration than those in denser vegetation. The researchers analyzed images of 10,638 species and discovered a strong connection between light colors and open habitats over the past 200 million years.
Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that cuttlefish employ a novel form of motion camouflage by displaying dark stripes on their head and arms. This allows them to disguise their hunting movements and deceive their prey's visual system, overwhelming it with strong dynamic motion cues.
Researchers studied the organs producing light in Vinciguerria mabahiss, finding they use photophores as counter illumination to break up silhouette and camouflage from predators. The fish produces blue light through a bacterial reaction, using reflective cells and a lens to direct it.
Researchers studying White-necked Jacobins found a unique caterpillar-like appearance on a newly hatched hummingbird chick, which may be an adaptation to avoid predators. The chick's fluffy down feathers and camouflaged nest suggest potential mimicry or camouflage strategies.
Researchers have discovered that chameleon shrimp can disguise themselves in exotic algae from other oceans, regardless of their evolutionary history. The crustaceans prefer to hide in invasive species with complex structures that offer better protection from predators.
Researchers have trained AI models to distinguish brain tumors from healthy tissue using convolutional neural networks and transfer learning. The models achieved an average accuracy of 85.99% at detecting brain cancer, with the ability to generate images showing specific areas in its tumor-positive or negative classification.
The study reveals that the electric blue spots of the bluespotted ribbontail ray are produced by unique skin cells with a stable 3D arrangement of nanoscale spheres containing reflecting nanocrystals. The team believes this colouration provides camouflage benefits to the stingrays, allowing them to blend with their surroundings.
Researchers developed a technological platform inspired by the blue-ringed octopus's ability to change skin markings. The devices feature adjustable fluorescent properties, ease of manufacturing, and potential for self-repair, benefiting fields like military, medicine, robotics, and sustainable energy.
Research shows that lapwings can hide their eggs by using small variations in the terrain, making them invisible to ground predators. The study found that habitat geometry rather than visual acuity limits the visibility of a ground-nesting bird's clutch to terrestrial predators.
A team of researchers from Göttingen University has identified seven new species of leaf insects, showcasing their unique camouflage abilities. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting these distinct species from extinction.
Researchers have identified a new species of leaf-tailed gecko from northern Madagascar, showcasing its exceptional camouflage skills. The discovery has shed light on the unique characteristics of this species, including its skin flaps and flattened tail.
A new study reveals that trumpetfish can conceal themselves by swimming closely behind another fish while hunting, reducing the likelihood of detection. This unique strategy, known as 'shadowing', uses a non-threatening species of fish as camouflage to approach prey.
Cuttlefish use a highly flexible and dynamic system to change color and texture, with the ability to display a rich variety of skin patterns and adapt to both natural and artificial backgrounds. The study found that cuttlefish continuously receive feedback about their skin pattern and adjust it in real-time.
Artificial night-time light confuses a colour-changing coastal woodlouse, according to new research. The sea slater's ability to change colour and blend in is disrupted by diffuse light, making it more visible to predators.
Scientists have successfully replicated the tunable transparency of squid skin cells in mammalian cells, a breakthrough that could lead to better ways to image many cell types. The study, led by Alon Gorodetsky, involves engineering human cells to produce reflectin proteins and forming light-scattering nanostructures.
A large-scale analysis of over 2,700 species of anurans reveals that the vertebral stripe evolves repeatedly and is adaptive to the animal's habitat. The study identifies a key gene linked to the stripe pattern, which may allow species to adapt to environmental changes.
Researchers from HKU-CAS have created a new material that can produce dual-color spots inspired by nature, leading to innovative applications in message encryption and storage. The breakthrough was achieved through the self-assembly of nanostructures in a one-pot method, enabling programmable binary color information.
Researchers found that frogs with few predators rely on escape strategies with large brains and conspicuous coloration, while those with many predators use camouflage with smaller brains. This study establishes a link between brain evolution and predator evasion strategies.
Researchers observed blue crabs digging shallow pits that fill with water and waiting for prey to come to them. The attacks were successful 33% of the time, making it an efficient hunting strategy.
A Penn State-led team created an artificial skin that exhibits both elasticity and cognitive functions like cephalopod skin. The device retains its neurological behaviors when deformed, enabling potential applications in neurorobotics, skin prosthetics, and artificial organs.
A new study suggests that European cuttlefish employ a complex neural system to create body patterns for camouflage, combining specific visual features and background cues. The research found that the animals' skin displays a range of 30 different pattern components, which are selectively activated in response to environmental stimuli.
Scientists have discovered that squid can camouflage to match a substrate, avoiding predators in the process. The study, published in Scientific Reports, sheds light on the behavior of this third type of cephalopod and could inform conservation initiatives.
A study by researchers at the University of Plymouth reveals that energy-efficient broad spectrum lighting is reducing the efficacy of coastal species' camouflage. This can have significant impacts on visually guided ecological processes, with certain color variations being more vulnerable to detection.
A new study reveals that animals use cheap tissues like chitin to build their weapons, allowing them to deceive opponents and gain advantages in battles. This tactic is used by species such as snapping shrimps and fiddler crabs, which can exaggerate their size and strength through clever deception.
A multidisciplinary team at UNIGE has developed a simple mathematical equation to explain the complex distribution of scales in ocellated lizards. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of skin color pattern evolution and provides an optimal pattern for animal survival.
A new study reveals that butterfly transparency is not only for camouflage but also to signal toxicity. Researchers found that transparent wings can serve both purposes, allowing butterflies to 'cheat' by having the best of both worlds - visibility in sunlight and concealment in shadows.
Researchers found that giant pandas' high-contrast pattern helps them blend in with dark shades, tree trunks, and ground color, providing effective camouflage. The study also revealed that the panda's disruptive coloration breaks up its outline at longer viewing distances.
Fish from the Gobiidae family change color more efficiently and effectively when alone, contrary to previous assumptions. This is likely due to reduced stress levels, allowing for faster and more accurate camouflage.
Researchers have developed a method for breaking camouflage that allows civilians and military personnel to identify hidden targets with high accuracy, even in complex scenes. The technique has been shown to be effective even when participants are given only a short viewing time.
Larvae of long-bodied crane flies have cryptic coloration and patterning, as well as fleshy lobes that serve multiple purposes. The study reveals that these lobes aid locomotion by assisting larvae in crawling on moss carpets, contradicting previous hypotheses about their function.
Rutgers engineers create 3D-printed smart gel that senses light and changes shape, inspired by cephalopod skin. The technology has potential applications in military camouflage, soft robotics, and flexible displays.
A Seoul National University team developed a soft thermoelectric device capable of active cooling and heating, allowing for thermal camouflage in both visible and infrared spectrums. The device incorporates thermochromic liquid crystal to control light reflectance, enabling various colors to be expressed by adjusting temperature.
Researchers found that the medicinal plant Lu Bei has evolved camouflage in response to human harvesting, changing color from brown to green depending on collection intensity. The study suggests that this adaptation may weaken the plant's attractiveness to pollinators.
A plant species, Fritillaria delavayi, has evolved to become better camouflaged in areas with high human harvesting, increasing its survival chances. Human activity is found to be driving the evolution of camouflage in this species.
A team of researchers from Utah State University and the California Department of Food and Agriculture investigated the evolution of Thistle-down velvet ants' white coloration. They found that the wasps' pale coloring provides thermoecological benefits in their hot desert environment, rather than serving as camouflage to avoid predators.
Researchers found that biliverdin-binding serpins (BBSs) are responsible for the blue-green coloration of frogs, which helps with camouflage. BBSs alter the spectral absorbance of biliverdin and fine-tune the frog's reflectance spectra.
Researchers found that Trinidadian guppies use a unique strategy to evade pike cichlid attacks by turning their irises black, drawing attention to their head rather than body. Larger guppies were better at escaping using this method, potentially due to increased size allowing them to reverse the negative effect of reduced agility.
Researchers reveal that glass frog translucency acts as a unique form of camouflage, but with a mechanism different from true transparency. The 'edge diffusion' strategy involves a diffuse gradient between the frog's color and its surroundings, making it harder to spot.
Research shows that ship noise affects shore crabs' ability to change color and behave normally, reducing their camouflage effectiveness. The study found that juvenile crabs exposed to ship noise changed color half as quickly, making them less camouflaged.
A team of researchers from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute has completed the first MRI-based mapping of the squid brain in 50 years. They proposed 145 new connections and pathways, with more than 60% linked to vision and motor systems.
Researchers found that jewel beetles' bright colors can act as a form of camouflage, outperforming dull-colored counterparts in detection avoidance. The ability to remain hidden became even more pronounced when the iridescent wing cases were placed against a glossy leaf background.
A new study reveals iridescence can act as highly-effective camouflage, increasing prey survival and explaining its evolution in many animal species. Researchers found that iridescent beetle models survived best against bird attacks, suggesting a clever strategy to confuse predators.
A new study from the University of Bristol found that unpatterned animals using short, fast movements are less likely to be detected by predators. The research used human participants as surrogate predators and quantified the effects of movement duration, speed, and target pattern on localization accuracy.
Researchers discovered that caterpillar larvae can perceive background color independently of their eyes and change their body color accordingly. This adaptation helps them match their surroundings, potentially reducing the risk of predation by birds. The study sheds light on how lepidopteran larvae protect themselves from predators.
A recent study found that the brain becomes desensitized to background motion, making it easier to distinguish smaller moving objects in the foreground. Older adults can improve their motion segregation abilities through visual training, narrowing the gap with younger counterparts.
A study by researchers at Technical University of Munich found that fungal communities have darker mushrooms in cold climates, suggesting a correlation between coloration and temperature regulation. This mechanism may improve reproduction by allowing fungi to harness solar energy.
Researchers found that chameleon prawns take weeks to change color, instead relying on behavioral choices to match their surroundings. This ability enables them to maintain camouflage throughout the year, helping them survive in challenging rock pool environments.
Researchers found that shore crabs from mudflats closely match the appearance of the mud they live on, while those in rock pools rely on high-contrast patterns to break up their outline. This study contributes to understanding why shore crabs are so diverse.
Researchers discover six new spider species in Colombia, including four unknown to science, and create new genus Stormtropis inspired by Star Wars' clone troopers. The spiders are well adapted to camouflage and burrowing into habitats.
Researchers observed a hummingbird defending its nest against a caterpillar disguising itself as a snake, highlighting the complexity of animal interactions. A tiny robot designed to mimic a snake-like appearance could potentially test various responses from nesting birds and provide insights into defense mechanisms.
A Jurassic ichthyosaur, Stenopterygius, had skin similar to that of a whale and coloration similar to living marine animals for camouflage. The discovery indicates the animal was likely warm-blooded and used subcutaneous blubber.
Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that moth wing scales can absorb echolocation sound frequencies used by bats. The finding could lead to development of thin and lightweight resonant sound absorbers.
Researchers found that moth fur provides acoustic stealth by reducing echoes of body parts from bat calls. The thorax fur acts as a lightweight porous sound absorber, offering a significant survival advantage against bats.
Cuttlefish control camouflage by directly acting on skin cells called chromatophores, producing local changes in contrast. Through statistical analysis of chromatophore output, researchers inferred motor neuron activity and higher levels of control, peering into the brain's camouflage system.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Brain Research and Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies developed techniques to reveal the cuttlefish brain's control network. By analyzing skin pattern dynamics, they inferred motor neuron activity and predicted higher-level control structures, providing insights into biological camouflage.
A new study reveals that giraffe babies pass on their unique spot patterns to their mothers, with larger spots and irregular shapes linked to increased survival. Researchers used modern imaging techniques to analyze coat patterns in wild Masai giraffes, confirming a 49-year-old hypothesis about heritability.