New Atlas

Science Audio available

Color-changing threads could find use in gas-detecting clothing

Ben Coxworth April 4, 2019

While there are already electronic devices that detect toxic gases, they can be expensive, and require training to properly use. Soon, though, there could be a cheap and simple alternative – threads woven into washable clothing, that change color when nasty gases are present.

Threads prepared with bromothymol blue (top thread), methyl red (middle thread) and MnTPP (bottom thread) are ...

Science Audio available

Single-laser tech prints color graphics on metal

Ben Coxworth February 22, 2019

Although it's already possible to create colored images on metal surfaces using lasers, different TYPES of lasers have to be used for different effects. Now, however, Russian scientists have developed a method of producing multiple effects using one commercially-available laser.

The laser oxidation process was used to reproduce an illustration on titanium (left) that was originally ...

3D Printing Audio available

Dichroic 3D-printing material changes color with point of view

Ben Coxworth February 15, 2019

In use since at least the 4th century AD, dichroic glass displays different colors depending on how it's being viewed. Now, Dutch scientists have produced the effect in a material that can be used to create 3D-printed objects – and it's not just a novelty, as it could have practical applications.

A miniature goblet printed from the new material appears both opaque brown and translucent violet

Digital Cameras

A celebration of vibrant color photography in the 2018 Chromatic Awards

Rich Haridy December 20, 2018

In its second year the Chromatic Awards focus on the best color photography across twenty categories. The incredible array of winners recently announced showcase a spectacular collection of striking images from stunning cityscapes to surreal natural wonders.

Luciano Demasi: The Desert King - 1st Place in Nature, Amateur

Science

"World's oldest colors" found in billion-year old fossils

Michael Irving July 9, 2018

Scientists have uncovered what they’re calling the oldest colors on Earth. Dating back more than a billion years, the bright pink pigments are the remains of some of the earliest microscopic organisms that once inhabited an ancient ocean, and their discovery helps fill a gap in the fossil record.

A vial of the pink compounds, which at 1.1 billion years old, represent the oldest intact ...

Science

Nanolaser changes color, just like a chameleon

Ben Coxworth June 20, 2018

Chameleons change color via a layer of skin cells which contain nanocrystals. As the lizards stretch or relax their skin, the spacing between those crystals changes, altering the manner in which they reflect light. Now, scientists have designed a color-changing nanolaser that works the same way.

A chameleon, making full use of the nanocrystals in its skin

Medical

Smart fibers change color to show bandage pressure

Ben Coxworth May 29, 2018

When a patient is suffering from a condition such as venous leg ulcers, that limb needs to be wrapped in a compression bandage. It's important, however, that the the correct amount of pressure is applied. New color-changing bandage fibers have been designed to ensure that caregivers get it right.

The fibers have been woven into regular compression bandages

Science

Blackcurrants could be a green source of hair dye

Ben Coxworth May 29, 2018

Traditional synthetic hair dyes can be quite toxic, not only to our bodies, but also to the environment. As a result, scientists are developing non-toxic dyes based on substances such as graphene. Now, it appears that waste blackcurrant skins can also do the job.

Blackcurrant skins contain pigments called anthocyanins

Science

Beetle inspires ultra-white coating

Ben Coxworth March 13, 2018

You may think that a sheet of plain paper is already pretty white, but scientists from the University of Cambridge have created an eco-friendly material that's reportedly 20 times whiter. In order to do so, they copied the scales of a Southeast Asian beetle.

The Cyphochilus beetle, with its nice white scales

Good Thinking

Picolor creates custom colors for artists

Ben Coxworth March 9, 2018

For some people, one of the more challenging aspects of painting involves mixing off-the-shelf paint colors together in order to get the exact shades that they want. If you're such a person, then Picolor may be for you.

The creators of Picolor are presently raising production funds on Kickstarter