Seeing With Its Skin—How An Octopus Can Live In the Deep

Medicine & Technology May 21, 2015

Researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara have discovered that the octopus, uniquely adept with camouflage, can "see" with its skin. The study found that the California two-spot octopus can sense light using light-sensitive proteins, similar to those found in eyes, in its skin.

New Morphing Frog Reveals Its Spiny Ability

Mar 26, 2015

In the wild, camouflage and mimicry are powerful abilities that often mean the difference between life and death. But while merely hiding in the background may mean going unnoticed, being able to change one’s form can change odds of survival astronomically when it comes to predation. And though the ability to camouflage may be an uncommon attribute that most species can live without, one fingernail-sized frog in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador is revealing a far rarer ability—making it the first shape-shifting amphibian ever found.

What are ‘Iridophores’ and How Are They Keeping Chameleons Camouflaged?

Mar 11, 2015

In a new study published this week in journal Nature Communications, researchers with the University of Geneva in Switzerland revealed that crystals beneath the skin of chameleons are responsible for the species’ amazing ability to adapt its pigmentation to its surroundings. But many are left wondering—what exactly are “Iridophores” and how can chameleons use them to camouflage?

The Secret To a Chameleon’s Color Change—It’s Crystals

Mar 10, 2015

Ever wonder exactly how chameleons are able to change their spots and camouflage themselves under the bright forest canopy? Well you’re not likely to guess the intriguing method involved. It turns out that while the chameleons are docile and soft, for the most part, this interesting species has a lot more in common with diamonds than anyone ever thought.

Itching and scratching controlled by happy neurotransmitter, according to study.

Oct 30, 2014

Itching and scratching controlled by happy neurotransmitter, according to study.