Scientists have turned one of nature’s strangest visual tricks into a piece of wearable technology, crafting a textile so dark it swallows almost every photon that hits it. Inspired by the plumage of ...

The magnificent riflebird has a striking appearance. Adult males of the species (Ptiloris magnificus) have iridescent, blue-green patches on their chests and heads. But, other than that, their bodies ...

A new fabric inspired by the feathers of the magnificent riflebird — a bird of paradise from New Guinea and the northern tip of Australia — is the darkest ever created, according to its inventors.

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. There is black, and then there is ultrablack. The shade defined as a ...

Adult male magnificent riflebirds have ultrablack feathers covering most of their bodies. Paul Maury / Cornell Lab of Ornithology The magnificent riflebird has a striking appearance. Adult males of ...

The color “ultrablack” – defined as reflecting less than 0.5% of the light that hits it – has a variety of uses, including in cameras, solar panels and telescopes, but it’s difficult to produce and ...