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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."

2 of 49 comments (clear)

  1. Do you guys know that you don't have to subscribe by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    to see articles before anyone else?

    I'd let you in on the secret but then that would mean I won't get first post all the time. Ha.

    And yes, the slashdot editors are flaming poo beards.

  2. Road Runner to bundle security software by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic


    Road Runner to bundle security software

    Antivirus and firewall software added as perksBy Jim Hu

    Updated: 2:02 p.m. ET Jan. 13, 2004Road Runner, Time Warner Cable's broadband Internet service, on Tuesday said it will bundle Computer Associates' antivirus and firewall software as a perk for its customers.

    Computer Associates' eTrust EZ Armor will be a free addition for Road Runner customers. The security software includes antivirus updates, protection for e-mail attachments, firewall capabilities, ad blocking and programs to prevent online monitoring.

    The announcement comes after Road Runner relaunched its Web site with flashier graphics and features in hopes of becoming a more appealing destination for its users. Cable giant Comcast also revamped its Web site to be more attractive to its cable modem subscribers.

    Cable networks, phone companies and Web services are all trying to ride the growing demand for broadband Internet access. Cable and phone companies account for most broadband subscribers, leaving Internet giants such as America Online, Yahoo and MSN scrambling to sell feature-heavy products as well.

    Road Runner joins a growing number of ISPs that are adding PC protection with their subscriptions. Last week, corporate cousin AOL added an antispyware program to its collection of security features.

    Other Internet services such as EarthLink, MSN and Yahoo are packaging PC security software with subscription services in hopes of attracting new customers.

    MSN last week launched MSN Premium, a subscription-based Web software pack that includes security features and spyware scanning. Yahoo recently launched Yahoo Plus, which includes antivirus and firewall software as part of its monthly subscription.

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