Rainbow shrimp vision: Learn more about the mantis shrimp that has between 12 and 16 photoreceptors, compared to humans that only have three.

Have you ever noticed that horses have eyes on the sides of the head rather than the front, like we do as humans?  The location of horses’ eyes offer a biological advantage that helps keep them safe...

When it comes to exceptional eyesight, picking a clear winner is harder than you might think.

Researchers led by Vera Vasas have developed an advanced camera system that allows humans to see the world as various animals do. Unlike humans, who have three types of cone cells for red, green, and blue light, many animals possess additional photoreceptors that let them perceive ultraviolet or infrared light. Birds, for example, have tetrachromatic vision, while bees also see ultraviolet patterns on flowers. On the other hand, dogs and cats have dichromatic vision, limiting their color perception. Traditional methods for simulating animal vision, like false color imaging, are slow and limited, but Vasas’s system records in four color channels—blue, green, red, and ultraviolet—and converts this data into perceptual units that mimic animal vision in real time. The system has over 92% accuracy compared to standard spectrophotometry, making it a reliable tool for both scientific research and filmmaking. It is also practical, using commercially available cameras housed in 3D-printed cases. By providing an accurate view of how different species perceive color, this technology can enhance studies of animal behavior, improve conservation efforts, and create educational experiences that bring humans closer to understanding the natural world.

Explore the surprising realities of animal vision, from the mantis shrimp's paradox to new tech visualizing animal perception.

When it comes to exceptional eyesight, picking a clear winner is harder than you might think.