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Color vision variation in guppies influences female mate preference

Research reveals that variation in opsin gene expression affects guppy females' preferences for male orange colors, highlighting the interplay between visual properties and mate choice. Genetic polymorphisms and environmental factors contribute to differing light sensitivity, driving the evolution of diverse male sexual colors.

SourceTohoku University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018

Color coded -- matching taste with color

Penn State researchers found that people can learn to associate colors with tastes and that some people are quicker learners than others. They also discovered that different bitter compounds have distinct taste profiles, which may explain why people enjoy some bitter flavors but not others.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateNov 16, 2018

How fruits got their eye-catching colors

New evidence supports the idea that fruits develop eye-catching colors to attract animal dispersers. Fruits eaten by mammals have higher reflectance in the green spectrum, while those dispersed by birds reflect more in the red. The study also found a link between fruit color and environmental factors such as UV light.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 24, 2018

At first blush, you look happy -- or sad, or angry

A groundbreaking study found that people can correctly identify others' feelings up to 75% of the time by analyzing subtle changes in blood flow color around the nose, eyebrows, cheeks, or chin. Computer algorithms developed from the research accurately recognize human emotion via face color with up to 90% accuracy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

How the color-changing hogfish 'sees' with its skin

Researchers at Duke University discovered that hogfish sense light with their skin, which differs from eye-based vision. The skin's unique ability allows it to detect changes in brightness or wavelength, such as moving shadows or light fluctuations, enabling the fish to adapt its color pattern accordingly.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Comparative Physiology A·DateMar 12, 2018

Researchers induced a form of synesthesia with hypnosis

Researchers from University of Turku successfully induced a functional analogue of synaesthesia in the brain using hypnosis. The study confirms previous results and shows that hypnosis can rapidly trigger visual hallucinations and induce a form of synaesthesia, offering new insights into cognitive neuroscience.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 13, 2017

Research letter examines evolving standards of beauty

A new study compares celebrities from People magazine's World's Most Beautiful lists in 1990 and 2017, revealing increased representation of darker skin types and older age groups. The researchers found that traditional beauty standards are evolving as people become more exposed to diverse cultures and media influences.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateOct 11, 2017

Green light for ultra-fine display colors

Scientists have made a breakthrough in producing ultra-pure green light for high-resolution displays, exceeding 97-99% of the Rec.2020 standard. The new technology uses simple room-temperature processes and inexpensive materials, paving the way for low-cost industrial production.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 6, 2017

The color of people's clothing affects lizard escape behavior

A study found that western fence lizards preferentially flee from dark blue T-shirts over other colors, suggesting they respond to the color itself rather than its detectability. The researchers suggest that this could have implications for animal conservation and ecotourism, where human clothing color may affect animal behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 9, 2017

Technique enables printable and rewritable color images

Scientists at Rice University have created a method for printing and rewriting color images by utilizing structural colors, which are determined by the selective reflections of certain colors at specific angles. The technique uses a single, colorless ink and can generate high-resolution images with excellent durability.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 1, 2017

Holograms taken to new dimension

Researchers have developed a new technology to create inexpensive full-color 2-D and 3-D holograms that are far more realistic, brighter and can be viewed at wider angles than current holograms. The applications for this technology could be wide-ranging, from currency and identification badges to amusement rides and advertisements.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 19, 2017

Seeing the colored light: Bee brains open way for better cameras

Researchers discovered a new mechanism for processing color information in honeybees, which could improve color constancy in imaging systems. The study found that the bees' ocelli contain two color receptors that can detect ambient light color, allowing them to discount naturally colored illumination and perceive true colors.

SourceRMIT University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2017

When gold turns invisible

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a gold compound that turns invisible when ground into a fine powder, emitting only infrared light. The substance's unique property has significant implications for bioimaging and the creation of invisible security inks.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 31, 2017

Novel liquid crystal could triple sharpness of today's televisions

Researchers developed a new blue-phase liquid crystal that can enable televisions and computer screens to pack more pixels into the same space while reducing power consumption. The material can achieve a resolution density of up to 1500 pixels per inch, which triples the sharpness of today's TVs.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateFeb 1, 2017