The best artists are hard put to equal the natural iridescence of a butterfly’s delicate wings. But new research may bring humans closer to matching nature — and putting that beauty to practical use.

A selective mating experiment by a curious butterfly breeder has led scientists to a deeper understanding of how butterfly wing color is created and evolves. The study, led by scientists at University ...

Spaniol described the realization that forests are losing their colors as "frightening and revelatory," providing a prime ...

The rich, shimmering colors of some butterfly wings are produced not by pigments, but by a special geometric formation of cells, a new study suggests. Researchers used an X-ray scattering technique to ...

Why is Christian Science in our name? Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and we’ve always been transparent about that. The church publishes the ...

If you’ve ever wondered why some animals like butterflies, birds, and beetles shimmer in the light and change from one iridescent color to the next, it’s because they don’t rely on pigments as most of ...

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Monarch butterflies in Eastern North America complete one of the ...

Editor’s Note: Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Challenging times are ahead for smaller, ...