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Dynamic pigmentary and structural coloration within cephalopod chromatophore organs

Submitted by Jingjie Yeo on

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-08891-x We report the discovery of structural coloration emanating in precise register with expanded pigmented chromatocytes. Concurrently, using an annotated squid chromatophore proteome together with microscopy, we identify a likely biochemical component of this reflective coloration as reflectin proteins distributed in sheath cells that envelop each chromatocyte.

Maximal energy that can be converted by a Dielectric Elastomer Generator

Submitted by Adrian S. J. Koh on

Mechanical energy can be converted to electrical energy by using a dielectric elastomer generator.  The elastomer is susceptible to various modes of failure, including electrical breakdown, electromechanical instability, loss of tension, and rupture by stretch.  The modes of failure define a cycle of maximal energy that can be converted.  This cycle is represented on planes of work-conjugate coordinates, and may be used to guide the design of practical cycles.