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Squid Eye for the Reflective Guy

Posted by michael on from the nice-title dept.

gdyas writes "This week's Science details the discovery and characterization of a new class of proteins found only in squids called reflectins that create a soft, mirror-like surface by forming silvery reflective plates. The squid combines the use of these mirror-proteins with a lens and musculature that allow it to focus the light produced by symbiotic bacteria in its eyes in order to search for food. The possibilities for these proteins in nanotechnology and optics are very intriguing."

4 of 49 comments (clear)

  1. I've known that for a long time! by odorf · · Score: 2, Funny

    Havent you guys read Harry Potter? GEE!

  2. Squid Eye for the Reflective Guy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Is this is new reality show where squid redecorate the Silver Surfers apartment?

  3. Re:Doesn't this happen elsewhere? by RobertB-DC · · Score: 2, Funny

    Isn't this the same phenomenon that makes cats' eyes "glow" at the right angles?

    No, cats don't have "light produced by symbiotic bacteria" coming out of their eyes. Their eyes only glow when your headlights shine into them. But not for long.

    (No animals were harmed by this comment, though the humor-impaired may have flinched a bit. I'm in a foul mood, and my wit seems to be affected.)

    --
    Stressed? Me? Of course not. Stress is what a rubber band feels before it breaks, silly.
  4. Sweet... by BeatdownGeek · · Score: 2, Funny

    Maybe now I can finally get that shine job I've always wanted!