What makes glass frogs transparent? The secret is in their blood.

UngulateNerd92

UngulateNerd92

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The see-through amphibians have an amazing strategy for hiding while asleep—one that could advance our understanding of blood clotting.

Native to forests of Central and South America, glass frogs in the family Centrolenidae get their name from their translucent skin and muscles that blend them seamlessly into their jungle environment. Flip the amphibians over, where the effect is most impressive, and you’ll see their hearts, livers, and squiggly coils of intestines—no dissection needed.

And now, in a study published today in the journal Science, researchers have discovered yet another amazing mechanism the animals use to become so transparent.

What makes glass frogs transparent? The secret is in their blood.
 
Here is another relevant article.

Study reveals how glass frogs become transparent

Scientists have figured out the trick behind one of the animal kingdom's best disappearing acts. Further research could lead to lifesaving medicine for humans.

Glass frogs activate their invisibility cloaks by hiding nearly all their red blood cells in the liver while sleeping, according to a study published on Thursday.

Studying the paperclip-sized amphibians — known for their see-through chest and belly region — could have a major impact on human medicine as well.

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