How Squid Are Inspiring Better Camouflage For Soldiers
Reef Squid Wikimedia Commons A squid-like film can be switched on and off chemically to change how infrared light is reflected. If there's one thing squid are good at, it's hiding. The mysterious giant squid is one of the most elusive creatures on Earth, and even the common calamari squid can alter its appearance to blend into its surroundings. Harnessing the squid's ability to change its skin could lead to better camouflage for soldiers, according to new research from the University of California, Irvine. Squid can change the color and even the texture of their skin to make themselves invisible to predators. By combining reflectin, the protein responsible for the squid's change in appearance, with graphene--a conductive, super-thin material made of carbon atoms--the researchers created a film that could hide the wearer from night vision cameras or other infrared detection. The coating can change how it reflects infrared light...