Photo copyright itchys published under a creative commons license (Flickr)
The science behind cat's eyes is helping whales.
In the UK the term "cat's eyes" refers to the reflective glass balls inside metal bases in the center of the road to mark out the center of the road. They were very common at one point. I'm talking about the 1950s to 70s. They are still seen but much less so. They were invented by a Yorkshireman who became a millionaire as a result of the invention. However, he refused to change his simple lifestyle (sounds a bit like a Yorkshireman) except he liked televisions and had a large number in his modest house. That was the extent of his extravagance. This was the era of the introduction of color television so perhaps he bought several of them.
He got the idea for reflective glass balls from cats. We all know how a cat's ey
es reflect light in the dark. I explain this anatomical phenomenon on this page.In new science recently revealed, scientists have built an underwater device that reflects back a tuned signal including sonar. Dolphins and whales produce sonar-like signals. If this device is placed on obstructions such as nets then a whale should pick up a reflected signal from the sonar telling the whale where the object is so that it can be avoided.
Oil and cable companies can use the device to mark out underwater structures. Its great benefit is that it is a passive device which does not require powering up with batteries. This makes its life underwater much longer and easier to manage.
It is nice to see the "technology" behind a humble cat's eyes being used to benefit other animals, particularly endangered animals. We can learn a lot from a cat's anatomy as their senses are very fine. We can also learn from their behavior. Such patience and naturalness is humbling.
Photos:
bottom - copyright Stigs - what is interesting about this photo is that there is a reflection in the shiny floor of the cats eyes. First time I have seen that.
From Cat's Eyes Help Whales to Home page
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI only (strictly) publish from creative commons sources, usually Flickr. Your picture must have come from Flickr creative commons. Creative commons licenses allow publication without seeking express permission from the photographer as they have already granted it through the license. Have you withdrawn your license?
Also please tell me which photo is yours. There are 2 illustrating this post. Look forward to hearing from you.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have now discovered that your photo was at the top of the page and have replaced it to avoid upset. But as I said I only publish from CC sources so I guess you changed your mind. Make sure please that all your photos are not licensed under creative commons if you don't want them published by other. - thanks
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteAs none of your photos are listed under creative commons and I always use creative commons photos, it may be the case that someone has used your picture and claimed it as their own. This happens sometimes. I'm not sure though.