Changing charges make for squid rainbow

Study finds how proteins self assemble to reflect different wavelengths of light

A bit of flash usually makes someone stand out, but Loligo squids disguise themselves with shine. Now scientists have illuminated how these squids alter the charges of their reflective proteins, allowing the iridescent animals to hide in open water.

RAINBOW HIDEOUT This close-up of Loligo squid tissue reveals the rainbow of colors created with pigment cells and reflective proteins.