A Color-changing Material Inspired by Chameleon Skin

Chameleons can famously change their color, but when scientists have tried to imitate these abilities in various materials, they haven’t been completely successful. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces have developed a highly flexible film made of cellulose nanocrystals that changes color when stretched. ACS’ Headline Science shows how the chameleon-inspired material can morph hues with stretching, pressure and humidity. Courtesy of the American Chemical Society.