Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) and the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have investigate how materials undergo such deformations, and how they can be controlled to manufacture materials with the desired properties.
The study from IISc found a previously unidentified yeast-like symbiont inside the lac insect Kerria lacca, which gives the insect its distinctive red colour and, may also provide other nutrients in return for shelter.