article_snippet: The markings enabled The markings to select the range of colours the material would reflect, depending on how it was flexed and bent.
article_snippet: The process involves the active tuning of a lattice of microscopic crystals in skin cells called iridophores.
article_snippet: While autumn leaves change colour because of a shift in the researchers chemical make-up, the researchers say the researchers can transform the shade of the researchers material by controlling the surface features on the tiniest of scales so the researchers interact and reflect particular wavelengths of light.
article_snippet: Rather than spreading the light into a complete rainbow, the ridges reflect a specific wavelength of light.
article_snippet: By ‘tuning’ the spaces between the ridges, Professor Chang-Hasnain said it is possible to select the specific colour to be reflected.
article_snippet: They realised it would be possible to subtly shift the spaces between the ridges, and therefore the colour, by flexing or bending the material.
article_snippet: As the silicone is bent or flexed, the gaps between the ridges respond .
article_snippet: Professor Chang-Hasnain said: ‘If you have a surface with very precise structures, spaced so they can interact with a specific wavelength of light, you can change its properties and how its interacts with light by changing its dimensions.