Decode the ability to turn the magic color of geckos

The skin has two layers of iridophore cells that contain pigments and light reflections that are a wonderful feature of geckos to change skin color.

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The ability to turn the magic color of geckos

This male chameleon changes color from blue to yellow.(Photo: Michel Milinkovitch)

According to new research published in Nature Communications, iridophore cells contain micro crystals with different sizes, shapes and organizations.To change skin color, geckos need only change the structure of the outer layer of cells by relaxing or stretching the skin layer.

Experts from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, said that when the skin is in a state of loosening, the crystals in iridophore cells collect close together, only special cells reflect short wavelengths like blue. Meanwhile if the skin is agitated, the distance between the crystals will increase, making the cells reflect longer wavelengths like gold, orange, and red. Gecko skin also contains yellow pigment bags, when combined with blue light gives green to camouflage.

They also found that a layer of skin cells deep and deep beneath the skin could reflect a large amount of sunlight close to the wavelength of infrared, but did not change color . This skin can help geckos reflect heat to keep the body cool.

Geckos are said to change skin color only to camouflage in accordance with the surrounding environment to hide the enemy. In practice, however, this is how they regulate body temperature or " communicate " with the same type.