VIDEO: Submarine camouflage takes cue from squid skin

Richard Baraniuk, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice University, is researching military defense technology that utilizes animal kingdom techniques.  He is exploring the ways in which engineers and scientists can harness the abilities of sea creature skin, in particular the squid and its ability to blend in with its surroundings. His explanation of the process in this special EarthSky series on Biomimicry: Nature of Innovation, is accompanied by footage of squids matching the color of coral and how submarines and amphibious tanks can match this capability through the use of cameras and external cells. The impact of biomimicry research on technology is far reaching, if only our best and brightest minds can replicate the ingenious mechanisms that biological life considers as easy and intuitive as breathing.