Imagine you were out in your backyard when suddenly, a hot-pink squirrel flew by. That’s exactly what happened to a biologist in Wisconsin when he flashed his flashlight at a southern flying squirrel, a small, furry creature. Typically it has a warm brown color, but in the beam of a flashlight, the squirrel had a neon glow similar to what you would find in a jazzercise class circa 1988. The discovery prompted researchers to examine more than 100 specimens of flying squirrels under UV light, which led to an astounding discovery: The pink is real. While ultraviolet fluorescence is common in birds, butterflies and sea creatures, scientists haven’t often observed it in mammals. What the flying squirrels get out of it is still a mystery, but it could mean that squirrels are capable of seeing in ultraviolet wavelengths.
Scientists discover flying squirrels that glow pink in the dark
More of Today's Solutions
The power of “solar balconies”: Germany’s solar revolution ...
In Germany's busiest cities, a quiet shift is taking place on apartment balconies. While rooftop solar has long been seen as a key component of ...
Read MoreThe science behind laughter in babies and children
Children's laughter is frequently interpreted as a simple display of joy, but scientific research reveals a deeper meaning lies beyond the surface. Contrary to ...
Read MoreStudy suggests an underripe banana a day lowers risk of a range of cancers
A new longitudinal study spanning almost two decades has produced some intriguing results regarding resistant starch. What you ask, is 'resistant starch'? It is ...
Read MoreOpting out: 4 alternative movements to redefine Black Friday
Right now, the Black Friday shopping festivities are undoubtedly engulfing our screens and storefronts. It's easy for consumerism to take center stage, but nonetheless, ...
Read More
