Chameleon skin-inspired material changes color, can detect seafood freshness By (0) Researchers designed a chameleon skin-inspired material that changes colors in response to biogenic volatile anime vapors, an indicator of fish and shrimp spoilage. Photo by Lu et al./Cell Reports Physical Science May 6 (UPI) -- Scientists have created a new type of synthetic skin that uses luminogens and a bilayer structure to artfully alter its color in response to the environment. The new chameleon-like skin, described Thursday in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, is designed to detect seafood freshness, but the technology could be used for a range of applications.