Scientists discover that red-sensitive pigments in mantis shrimp eyes function as reversible light switches.

What it means

Researchers have discovered that red-sensitive visual pigments in mantis shrimp eyes can reversibly switch between active and inactive states in response to light, functioning like biological light switches. This finding, based on measurements of light sensitivity and signal transmission mechanisms by a team led by Camille Brouillon and others, reveals a novel regulatory layer in the mantis shrimp's already extraordinarily complex color vision system.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is solidly grounded in a peer-reviewed scientific paper, with the Phys.org article closely summarizing the original research. The provenance is primary source (the actual paper), so the reporting faithfully reflects the findings.

How new

Genuinely new; the article was published on October 17, 2026.

Go deeper

• Phys.org — first to publish