# Peacock-Inspired Camouflage Technology Researchers at Harvard SEAS Developed a Peacock Camo System By Joey Haar | Published 2016-11-28 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harvard-seas References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2016/11/24/exotic-bird-inspires-cheaper-light-based-camouflage-design/) & [seas.harvard.edu](http://www.seas.harvard.edu/news/2016/11/new-technique-for-structural-color-inspired-by-birds) Researchers from [Harvard SEAS](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braincomputer-interface) (the university's school of engineering and sciences) have developed a counterintuitive camouflage system. Of all the creatures in the animal kingdom, the peacock is the least likely to be associated with stealth -- on the contrary, peacocks are famous for their desire to stand out. However, the Harvard SEAS researchers have discovered a quality of [colorful feathers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/majestic-feathers) that can be manipulated to create camouflage. The new camouflage technique is actually based on the feathers of the plum-throated cotinga (rather than a peacock,) but a cursory glance at the continga will make the camo paradox is no less apparent. The bird has an electric blue coat with a neon pink throat. However, by understanding how the feathers are able to diffuse other colors of light while highlighting these bright ones, the researchers created a camouflaging metal alloy. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Counterintuitive Camouflage:** Exploring the use of unexpected elements and properties in camouflage design. - **Biomimicry in Camouflage:** Drawing inspiration from animal features and adaptations for innovative camouflage systems. - **Optical Manipulation for Camouflage:** Developing techniques to manipulate light and colors for effective camouflage. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Military and Defense:** Leveraging counterintuitive camouflage techniques to enhance stealth capabilities and protection in military operations. - **Fashion and Textile:** Applying biomimetic principles in textile design to create innovative and visually striking camouflage patterns. - **Materials Science and Engineering:** Advancing optical manipulation technologies for the development of camouflage materials with enhanced adaptive properties. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Avian-Inspired Privacy Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peacock-chair-concept.md) - [Animal-Perspective Video Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imaging-system-1.md) - [Octopus-Inspired Color-Changing Inks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-hong-kong.md) - [Color-Displaying Ink Variants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kobe-university.md) - [Optical Illusion Invisibility Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisibility-shield.md) - [Squid-Inspired Smart Windows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquidfilled-panel.md) - [Artful Camo Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skylrk-camo.md) - [Camouflage-Print Technical Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grottoflage.md) - [Invisibility-Illusion Portable Cloaks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisibility-shield-co.md)