http://www.salon.com/2013/09/10/squ...r_camouflage_for_soldiers_newscred/singleton/
The Office of Naval Research has granted millions of dollars to marine biologists to research squid since 2009
A squid-like film can be switched on and off chemically to change how infrared light is reflected.
If theres one thing squid are good at, its 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 squids 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 squids change in appearance, with graphenea conductive, super-thin material made of carbon atomsthe 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 based on a chemical signal, or even by a change in humidity. Camouflage clothing could potentially be programmed to switch to invisible mode during the night, when humidity is generally higher. The process is detailed in a study online in Advanced Materials.
The military has been interested in harnessing the squids stealth powers for a while. The Office of Naval Research has granted millions of dollars to nanotechnologists and marine biologists from various institutions to research squid-inspired camouflage since 2009.
Our long-term goal is to create fabrics that can dynamically alter their texture and color to adapt to their environments, Alon Gorodetsky, an assistant professor of chemical engineering and materials science at the University of California, Irvine, said in a statement. Basically, were seeking to make shape-shifting clothingthe stuff of science fictiona reality.
The Office of Naval Research has granted millions of dollars to marine biologists to research squid since 2009
A squid-like film can be switched on and off chemically to change how infrared light is reflected.
If theres one thing squid are good at, its 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 squids 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 squids change in appearance, with graphenea conductive, super-thin material made of carbon atomsthe 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 based on a chemical signal, or even by a change in humidity. Camouflage clothing could potentially be programmed to switch to invisible mode during the night, when humidity is generally higher. The process is detailed in a study online in Advanced Materials.
The military has been interested in harnessing the squids stealth powers for a while. The Office of Naval Research has granted millions of dollars to nanotechnologists and marine biologists from various institutions to research squid-inspired camouflage since 2009.
Our long-term goal is to create fabrics that can dynamically alter their texture and color to adapt to their environments, Alon Gorodetsky, an assistant professor of chemical engineering and materials science at the University of California, Irvine, said in a statement. Basically, were seeking to make shape-shifting clothingthe stuff of science fictiona reality.
