New study finds “messy” microscopic structures on petals of some flowers manipulate light to produce a blue colour effect that is easily seen by bee pollinators. Researchers say these petal grooves evolved independently multiple times across flowering plants, but produce the same result: a floral halo of blue-to-ultraviolet light.
The Cambridge Animal Alphabet series celebrates Cambridge's connections with animals through literature, art, science and society. Here, K is for Kingfisher. Look out for them among the swamp cypresses at the Botanic Garden, where the secrets behind their cyan and blue feathers are being studied by an extraordinary collaboration of scientists.
The physical properties of the ultra-white scales on certain species of beetle could be used to make whiter paper, plastics and paints, while using far less material than is used in current manufacturing methods.
Intensely coloured low-cost films made from cellulose could be used in place of toxic dyes, or to detect counterfeit materials.
Unique blue fruit’s colour does not fade even after a century
Scientists discover why buttercups reflect yellow on chins – and it doesn’t have anything to do with whether you like butter. The new research sheds light on children’s game and provides insight into pollination.
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