Smart fluorescent dyes
Scientists developed a unique organic fluorophore that changes its emission color in response to external stimuli. The dye exhibits two-color behavior, emitting green and orange light depending on its solid-state morphologies.
Pigments
Articles tagged with Pigments
Variations of a single gene drive diverse pigeon feather patterns
A study found that variations of a single gene in pigeons are associated with diverse feather patterns and unexpected links to human vision defects. The gene, Norrie Disease Protein, is well-studied in humans but has different effects on pigs, causing only pigmentation changes.
Fungi-produced pigment shows promise as semiconductor material
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a fungus-produced pigment, xylindein, that could become a sustainable alternative to silicon in electronic applications. The pigment, found in infected wood, has high durability and stability, making it suitable for wearable electronics.
Recycled electrical products lead to hazardous chemicals appearing in everyday items
A new study found that contaminated black plastic is entering consumer products due to inefficient recycling practices, posing a risk to human health. The researchers also discovered potential harm to marine environments through the spread of microplastics.
Tiny spiders, big color
A team of Harvard scientists discovered that tiny Phoroncidia rubroargentea spiders use a combination of structural colors, pigment, and fluorescent material to produce their distinctive red and silver hues. The colors are stabilized by a tough cuticle layer, with the silver color relying on a reflective material similar to fish scales.
Organic printing inks may restore sight to blind people
Researchers have developed a tiny, simple photoactive film that converts light impulses into electrical signals, stimulating neurons and potentially restoring sight to blind people. The technology uses cheap and widely-available organic pigments and has been successfully tested in experiments with non-functioning retinas.
Photosynthesis uses vibrations as 'traffic signals'
Researchers discovered that proteins use vibrations to direct energy across pigments in plants, allowing for efficient energy transfer. This discovery could help design better solar materials and is a classical mechanism rather than quantum effects.
It's givin' me excitations: U-M study uncovers first steps of photosynthesis
A University of Michigan biophysicist and her team have imaged the moment a photon sparks the first energy conversion steps of photosynthesis. The findings provide crucial insights into the initial charge separation during photosynthesis, an essential step in the process.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2018
Squid skin could be the solution to camouflage material
New research by Northeastern University scientists isolates pigment granules from squid skin to create ultra-thin films with rich colors. These materials could be used for adaptive coloration and camouflage applications.
Research team uncovers hidden details in Picasso Blue Period painting
Using non-invasive portable imaging techniques, researchers uncovered hidden images connected to other works by Picasso and a landscape likely by another Barcelona painter underneath 'La Miséreuse accroupie'. The study revealed major compositional changes made by Picasso as he worked toward his final vision.
A new role for the 'pigments of life'
Scientists have reconfigured porphyrins to exploit their special properties by 'turning them inside out'. This discovery opens new horizons for these natural pigments as efficient metal-free catalysts. The findings could lead to applications in chemistry, biochemistry, physics and beyond.
Synthetic circuits can harvest light energy
Researchers at MIT and Harvard created a light-harvesting material that can absorb and transfer energy along precise pathways. The synthetic material uses densely packed clusters of pigments organized on DNA scaffolds to mimic natural photosynthetic structures.
Georgia State physicist gets $400,000 grant to study solar energy conversion
A $400,000 grant from the US Department of Energy's Office of Basic Energy Sciences will support Dr. Gary Hastings' research on efficient solar energy conversion in photosynthesis. The goal is to design more efficient artificial solar cells by understanding how plants capture solar energy.
UW researchers discover an evolutionary stepping stone to beet-red beets
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have discovered an ancient loosening of a biochemical pathway that led to the evolution of characteristic red pigment in beets. The discovery sheds new light on how plants can produce various compounds and has implications for beet breeding programs.
Scientists find that nanoparticles from tattoos travel inside the body
Scientists have found that nanoparticles from tattoos can migrate to the lymph nodes and cause inflammation, leading to potential long-term health problems. The study provides strong evidence for the transport of toxic elements and tattoo pigments, highlighting the need for further research on the safety of tattoo inks.
Remarkable artistry hidden in ancient Roman painting revealed
Researchers used a portable macro X-ray fluorescence instrument to analyze an ancient Roman painting, revealing elements such as iron-based pigment and green earth pigment used in the underpainting. The study could help conservators restore the image and preserve ancient artistry for future generations.
Rhapsody in red violet
A new study reveals that beets can produce a pigment with high antioxidant properties, boosting crop nutrition and resistance to disease. The researchers successfully engineered plants to produce this pigment, which also showed promise in controlling gray mold in crops.
SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2017
Out of the blue: Cornell X-ray finds unique fingerprint in Medieval manuscript ink
Researchers found trace element barium present in azurite blues, identifying a unique fingerprint that can help link scattered pages. This discovery may aid in provenance research and provide insights into trade routes and historic mining sites.
Flexible and cost-effective fabrication of nature inspired structural colors
Researchers developed a cost-effective method to produce biomimetic structural colors, overcoming previous limitations and enabling large-scale and flexible fabrication. The technique uses quasi-ordered scattering and can be fine-tuned by controlling synthesis conditions.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 6, 2017
Unusual soybean coloration sheds a light on gene silencing
Researchers found that yellow soybeans result from naturally occurring gene silencing involving two genes, which blocks production of darker pigment's precursors. The study also identified the Argonaute5 gene responsible for saddle-patterned beans, shedding light on epistatic interactions in soybean genetics.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 19, 2017
Blue and purple corn: Not just for tortilla chips anymore
A University of Illinois project has identified a source of natural blue and purple corn, providing an affordable alternative to synthetic food dyes. The researchers found that anthocyanin concentrations in Peruvian corn lines remained stable across generations, paving the way for breeding high-yielding, colored corn hybrids.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 17, 2017
Sophisticated optical secrets revealed in glossy buttercup flowers
Scientists discovered that buttercup petals contain a one-cell thick epidermis with a yellow pigment, which acts as an optical film reflecting light. The starch layer also scatters light, enriching the flower's bright yellow color. This complex anatomy produces a glossy sheen and advantages pollination and seed maturation.
Immune cell serves as an essential communications link for migrating cells
Researchers discovered that macrophages transmit messages between non-immune cells, such as pigment cells in fish, to facilitate complex patterns like stripes. This unique function of macrophages suggests they may play a broader role in intercellular communication, affecting tissue development, regeneration, and cancer.
Tarantulas inspire new structural color with the greatest viewing angle
Scientists create new structural color material that showcases consistent color from all viewing directions, overcoming conventional wisdom about long-range order photonic structures. The innovative design has a wide viewing angle of 160 degrees, making it suitable for applications such as phone and television screens.
Sciences for art
Researchers propose using portable instruments, spectroscopic techniques, and weathering cells to develop strategies for better artwork preservation. Non-invasive techniques like X-ray radiography, infrared photography, and X-ray fluorescence enable the detailed investigation of historical paints' chemical composition.
Dressing up like a peacock: Bright colors by nanotechnology
Scientists at KIT replicate nanostructures that produce vibrant colors independent of viewing angle, suitable for textile, packaging and cosmetic industries. The innovation could replace toxic pigments with sustainable alternatives.
Lighting color affects sleep and wakefulness
A study by Oxford researchers found that exposure to green light rapidly induces sleep, whereas blue and violet lights delay sleep. The role of melanopsin, a pigment regulating the body clock, was confirmed as essential for these effects.
Detective scientists discover ancient clues in mummy portraits
A Northwestern University research team has discovered telling clues about the materials and methods used by Roman-Egyptian artists to paint lifelike mummy portraits. The analysis provides strong evidence on how many of the 15 paintings were made, shedding light on the evolution of painting techniques in the Byzantine Empire.
A horse of a different color: Genetics of camouflage and the Dun pattern
Researchers uncover the genetic mechanism behind the Dun pattern, a unique coat color variant that provides camouflage in wild horses. The study reveals a single gene, TBX3, determines Dun versus non-Dun color, with implications for understanding horse domestication and skin/hair development.
Nature's unique way of controlling color explains why birds never go gray
Researchers discovered that birds use well-controlled changes to the nanostructure of their feathers to create multi-coloured plumage. This innovative approach could lead to synthetic materials with long-lasting colours.
New study reveals what's behind a tarantula's blue hue
A recent study reveals that tiny nanostructures in the exoskeletons of blue-haired tarantulas are responsible for their vibrant color. The researchers believe this discovery could lead to new ways to improve computer and TV screens using biomimicry.
Long-snouted Amazonian catfishes including three new species to form a new genus
A Brazilian research team has identified five previously known species and three new ones as separate genera due to distinct physical characteristics. The newly formed Curculionichthys genus includes catfishes with elongated mouths, dark-brown spots, and other unique features.
Why van Gogh's Sunflowers are wilting
Researchers analyzed a Van Gogh painting using X-rays to determine the type of chrome yellow used. They found that lighter shades were more susceptible to degradation and darkened over time.
SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 20, 2015
How the retina marches to the beat of its own drum
Researchers discovered that the retina employs a separate light-sensitive pigment called neuropsin to regulate its internal rhythms. Neuropsin is distinct from melanopsin, which controls the body's circadian rhythms and synchronizes with the suprachiasmatic nuclei.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2015
How a frog's molecules 'leaped,' and 'crawled,' to evolve violet vision
The African clawed frog's evolution to violet vision involved rapid and controlled molecular changes, with five classes of opsin genes playing a crucial role. The study identified 12 mutations, including site 113, which shifted from glutamic acid to aspartic acid, leading to the frog's unique visual adaptation.
'Bacterial litmus test' provides inexpensive measurement of micronutrients
Researchers developed a bacterium-based biosensor that can detect zinc levels in blood samples, providing an inexpensive way to assess nutritional deficiencies. The test uses color changes to indicate zinc levels, making it visible without specialized equipment.
Rainbow of glowing corals discovered in depths of the Red Sea
Researchers from the University of Southampton and international partners discovered glowing corals with a range of fluorescent colours in deep waters of the Red Sea. The team hopes that these pigments could be developed into new imaging tools for medical applications.
Nonphotosynthetic pigments could be biosignatures of life on other worlds
Researchers found that nonphotosynthetic pigments could produce strong spectral signals detectable by powerful future telescopes. These organisms cover a significant portion of a distant planet's surface, producing reflectance signatures different from photosynthetic land vegetation like trees.
Fading orange-red in Van Gogh's paintings
Researchers identify plumbonacrite as intermediate in degradation of red lead, leading to bleaching of the color over time. The discovery sheds new insights into the bleaching process of red lead, revealing a possible reaction pathway involving light and carbon dioxide.
SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 10, 2015
Blue blood on ice -- how an Antarctic octopus survives the cold
Researchers found Antarctic octopods have high levels of haemocyanin, a blue oxygen transport protein, in their blood. This adaptation helps them supply oxygen to tissues at sub-zero temperatures.
15-million-year-old mollusk protein found
Researchers found intact thin sheets of shell proteins preserved for up to 15 million years in fossilized Ecphora shells from southern Maryland. The discovery shares characteristics with modern mollusk shell proteins, providing a unique window into the evolutionary history of these creatures.
US scientists find 15-million-year-old mollusk protein
Researchers have found remarkably preserved 15-million-year-old thin protein sheets in fossil shells from southern Maryland. The proteins share characteristics with modern mollusk shell proteins, offering insights into the evolution of mollusks and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay during the mid-Miocene era.
Genetic basis of color diversity in coral reefs discovered
Researchers have found that corals use multiple identical copies of a gene to control pigment production, leading to dramatic differences in color among individuals. This genetic strategy helps corals survive in stressful environments and extends their distribution range along light gradients of coral reefs.
Back to basics
Professor Robert Sinclair argues that simple numerical observations and rational numbers can illuminate complex scientific systems. He proposes a balance between deterministic and stochastic growth, finding relevance in nature's selective pressure for stochasticity.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalFrontiers in Computational Neuroscience·DateNov 5, 2014
Turning pretty penstemon flowers from blue to red
Researchers found that knocking out a single enzyme is responsible for changing blue penstemon flowers to red. The study reveals a predictable genetic change behind the evolution from blue to red, with reverse changes unlikely.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 4, 2014
Yellow filters in eye result in higher visibility, UGA research finds
Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that people with more yellow pigment in their eyes can see better in hazy conditions. The study suggests that eating leafy green vegetables can help maintain healthy vision.
The color of blood: Pigment helps stage symbiosis in squid
The Hawaiian bobtail squid recruits and sustains a symbiotic association with Vibrio fischeri by utilizing the antimicrobial properties of its hemocyanin blood pigment. The protein also enables the squid to modulate oxygen levels, creating an environment conducive to the bacterium's growth.
Skipping meals may affect butterfly wing size, coloration
A study found that two days of larval food restriction can reduce adult monarch butterfly wing size by approximately 2% and affect wing pigmentation. Limited access to milkweed stunts monarch wings, which could impact migration success.
Conservation science partnership thrives, expands
The Northwestern University/Art Institute of Chicago Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts (NU-ACCESS) has established new conservation science collaborations with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Smart Museum at the University of Chicago. Scientists have used surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to identify organic colorant...
Science is used to reveal masterpiece's true colors
Researchers have identified carmine lake, a light-sensitive red pigment, used by Renoir in his painting 'Madame Léon Clapisson.' The study also sheds light on Winslow Homer's watercolor and Mary Cassatt's pastel, providing new insights into the techniques of these artistic masters.
'Chameleon of the sea' reveals its secrets
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered the secrets behind the cuttlefish's adaptive camouflage, enabling it to change its skin color and pattern in response to visual cues. The study reveals that a sophisticated biomolecular nanophotonic system underlies the cuttlefish's color-changing abilities.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalInterface·DateJan 28, 2014
A guppy's spots formed by layers of color cells
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that multiple pigment cell types from different skin layers contribute to the formation of guppies' colorful spots. The research found that transparent, reflective, and iridescent cells called iridophores play a crucial role in these patterns.
First farmers and stockbreeders painted with the same pigments that their hunters ancestors
Researchers found identical pigment compositions between hunter-gatherer and farmer styles, challenging previous theories. The artists used iron oxides and terrigenous materials easily found in their environment.
SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJan 14, 2014
Purple sweet potatoes among 'new naturals' for food and beverage colors
Researchers have discovered a new generation of natural food colorings derived from purple sweet potatoes, which offer superior properties to traditional synthetic colors. These antioxidants-rich substances may also have health benefits, making them an attractive alternative for the food and beverage industry.
Octopus' blue blood allows them to rule the waves!
Researchers discovered that Antarctic octopods have genetically and functionally distinct haemocyanin forms that facilitate oxygen release at sub-zero temperatures. This physiological adaptation allows octopods to sustain aerobic life in cold environments.
X-rays reveal new picture of 'dinobird' plumage patterns
Researchers at The University of Manchester used X-ray experiments to reveal new insights into the evolution of plumage and preservation of feathers in ancient birds. They found chemical traces of original 'dinobird' and dilute pigments, shedding light on the bird's plumage pattern.
Re-creating the original colors of treasured ivory carvings from the ancient past
Researchers have successfully re-created the long-lost colors of treasured ivory carvings from ancient Phoenicia, using a non-destructive testing technology. The findings shed new light on the artistic techniques used by Phoenician craftsmen and could be applied to other valuable objects, such as the Elgin Marbles.
White tiger mystery solved
Researchers found that white tigers owe their color to a variant of the SLC45A2 gene. This discovery may lead to reintroduction of white tigers into their wild habitat.
Egyptian wedding certificate key to authenticating controversial Biblical text
A scientist has revealed how an ancient Egyptian marriage certificate played a pivotal role in confirming the veracity of inks used in the Gospel of Judas. The discovery sheds new light on the intensive scientific efforts to validate the controversial text, which suggests that Jesus requested that his friend, Judas Iscariot, betray him...
New clues in the search to rediscover the mysterious Maya Blue formula
A team of chemists from the University of Valencia has proposed a two-stage process for creating Maya Blue, a highly-resistant pigment used in ancient Mesoamerican cultures. The researchers believe that indigo and palygorskite clay can be combined through heat to form a blue pigment with variable proportions.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMicroporous and Mesoporous Materials·DateApr 2, 2013