Friday, May 8, 2026
Health - LEVEL2

How Squids Change Color with Electricity: A Groundbreaking Discovery

By aimee yang
How Squids Change Color with Electricity: A Groundbreaking Discovery

Squids can change colors to match their surroundings thanks to pigment-filled cells called chromatophores. Researchers at Northeastern University discovered that these pigment granules can turn light into electricity.

When exposed to sunlight, the granules produce a charge. Biochemist Leila Deravi explained that the more granules there are, the more electricity they generate, which could potentially be used as a power source for the squid.

This amazing ability allows squids to quickly change their appearance underwater, where light levels are low. The researchers were impressed by how fast and accurate the color-changing process is.

By studying these light sensors in squids, scientists hope to improve technologies like wearable electronics. This discovery could lead to new advancements in various fields.

The research was published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry C. Squids, like the longfin inshore squid, use their color-changing skills to survive in the ocean by hiding from predators.

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Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
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Accent

Chromatophores/krəˈmætəˌfɔrz/noun
Pigment-filled cells that allow organisms to change color.

Pigment/ˈpɪɡ.mənt/noun
A substance that gives color to an organism or material.

Granules/ˈɡræn.juːlz/noun
Small particles or grains often referring to aggregated structures.

Electricity/ɪˌlekˈtrɪs.ɪ.ti/noun
A form of energy resulting from the existence of charged particles.

Advancements/ədˈvæns.mənts/noun
Progress or improvements in a particular field.

Predators/ˈprɛd.ə.tərz/noun
Animals that prey upon other organisms for food.
Vocabulary Learning

How much do you know?

What is the name of the pigment-filled cells in squids that allow them to change colors?
Chromosomes
Chromatophores
Chloroplasts
Chemotrophs
What can the pigment granules in squids do when exposed to sunlight?
Change shape
Conduct electricity
Produce sound
Attract prey
How do squids use their color-changing ability to survive in the ocean?
To communicate with each other
To scare off predators
To match their surroundings and hide from predators
To attract mates
According to the research, what could the electricity generated by the pigment granules potentially be used for?
As a communication signal
As a power source for the squid
To attract prey
To navigate underwater
Where was the research on squid color-changing abilities published?
Journal of Animal Behavior
Journal of Materials Chemistry C
Journal of Marine Biology
Journal of Evolutionary Ecology
Which specific type of squid was mentioned in the text that uses color-changing skills to hide from predators?
Humboldt squid
Giant squid
Longfin inshore squid
Dumbo octopus
Squids change colors using organelles called chromatophores.
Researchers at Northeastern University discovered that squid pigment granules can turn sound into electricity.
The color-changing process in squids is slow and imprecise.
The ability of squids to change colors quickly is useful for camouflage.
Studying light sensors in squids could lead to advancements in wearable electronics.
Squids primarily use their color-changing skills to attract prey.
According to the text, squid pigment granules can turn light into .
Researchers believe that the more pigment granules there are in squids, the more they can generate.
The color-changing ability of squids allows them to quickly match their surroundings, especially in environments with low levels.
Scientists are interested in studying light sensors in squids to improve technologies like wearable .
The discovery about squid color-changing abilities could lead to new advancements in various .
The research on squids was published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry .
This question is required
aimee yang
aimee yanghttps://esl-news.com

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
Accent
Chromatophores/krəˈmætəˌfɔrz/noun
Pigment-filled cells that allow organisms to change color.
Pigment/ˈpɪɡ.mənt/noun
A substance that gives color to an organism or material.
Granules/ˈɡræn.juːlz/noun
Small particles or grains often referring to aggregated structures.
Electricity/ɪˌlekˈtrɪs.ɪ.ti/noun
A form of energy resulting from the existence of charged particles.
Advancements/ədˈvæns.mənts/noun
Progress or improvements in a particular field.
Predators/ˈprɛd.ə.tərz/noun
Animals that prey upon other organisms for food.
Vocabulary Learning

How much do you know?

What is the name of the pigment-filled cells in squids that allow them to change colors?
Chromosomes
Chromatophores
Chloroplasts
Chemotrophs
What can the pigment granules in squids do when exposed to sunlight?
Change shape
Conduct electricity
Produce sound
Attract prey
How do squids use their color-changing ability to survive in the ocean?
To communicate with each other
To scare off predators
To match their surroundings and hide from predators
To attract mates
According to the research, what could the electricity generated by the pigment granules potentially be used for?
As a communication signal
As a power source for the squid
To attract prey
To navigate underwater
Where was the research on squid color-changing abilities published?
Journal of Animal Behavior
Journal of Materials Chemistry C
Journal of Marine Biology
Journal of Evolutionary Ecology
Which specific type of squid was mentioned in the text that uses color-changing skills to hide from predators?
Humboldt squid
Giant squid
Longfin inshore squid
Dumbo octopus
Squids change colors using organelles called chromatophores.
Researchers at Northeastern University discovered that squid pigment granules can turn sound into electricity.
The color-changing process in squids is slow and imprecise.
The ability of squids to change colors quickly is useful for camouflage.
Studying light sensors in squids could lead to advancements in wearable electronics.
Squids primarily use their color-changing skills to attract prey.
According to the text, squid pigment granules can turn light into .
Researchers believe that the more pigment granules there are in squids, the more they can generate.
The color-changing ability of squids allows them to quickly match their surroundings, especially in environments with low levels.
Scientists are interested in studying light sensors in squids to improve technologies like wearable .
The discovery about squid color-changing abilities could lead to new advancements in various .
The research on squids was published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry .
This question is required

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