Mmastodon ScienceScience first seen 6 d ago, last 5 d ago, peak #1

Glass frogs become nearly invisible by hiding red blood cells in their liver

Original: 🐸 This frog is sleeping — and it's nearly invisible. Glass frogs hide ~89% of their red blood cells in their liver while

Glass frogs, small amphibians found in Central and South American forests, achieve remarkable transparency while sleeping by storing roughly 89% of their red blood cells in their liver, researchers report. This temporarily doubles the animals' transparency, making it harder for daytime predators to spot them — including their see-through bellies and beating hearts. Scientists studying the mechanism say it could inform research on blood clotting, since the frogs pack and release blood cells without harmful clots. Photos of sleeping glass frogs shared online have drawn wide attention.

Why now: People are fascinated by the striking natural camouflage mechanism and its potential medical implications.

glass frogsJesse DeliaScienceAlert

Open on mastodon →

Rank over time, top of the chart is #1. 15 snapshots from 6 d ago to 5 d ago.

Evidence

• 🐸 This frog is sleeping — and it's nearly invisible. Glass frogs hide ~89% of their red blood cells in their liver while they nap, doubling their transparency so daytime predators can't spot their beating hearts through see-through bellies. Photo: Jesse Delia / ScienceAlert #… · eatrics · 6

API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/4916785