Shrimp and Sight

Step aside Blu-Ray, the mantis shrimp has arrived. According to the following link, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025162459.htm, recent studies by scientists at the University of Bristol have uncovered the mechanism for this Australian giant shrimp's famously complex eyesight. Having the ability to see in 12 primary colors, quadruple the amount of humans, these shrimp rotate the plain of polarization of the light passing through their eyes using light sensitive cells. By doing so the mantis shrimp is able to detect light polarization throughout the whole visible light spectrum. DVD and CD players incorporate this ability into their function well in only one color, not nearly matching the level of the shrimp. The system of the eye's function, using cell membranes arranged in tube form, is hoped to be reproduced by liquid crystal technology, hopefully leading to another breakthrough in the world of information storage, reading, and especially entertainment.

Posted by Charlie Moore