The location of the second largest volcanic eruption in human history, the waters off Greece's Santorini are the site of newly discovered opalescent pools forming at 250 meters depth. The interconnected series of meandering, iridescent white pools contain high concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO 2) and may hold answers to questions related to deepsea carbon storage as well as provide a means of monitoring the volcano for future eruptions.
Researchers in Canada have created a new material that mimics the brilliant iridescent colours seen in beetle shells. As the eye-catching effect can be switched off with the simple addition of water, the researchers believe their new material could lead to applications including "smart windows".