Photoreceptor found in worms 50 times better at detecting light rays than human eye

The modest eyeless roundworm appears to have the remarkable superhero-like ability to taste light. A new type of cell has been discovered in the taste receptors of these creatures which is about 50 times more efficient at capturing light than the human eye. Scientists say that the unusual characteristics of the receptor could be used in a range of applications, including creating more effective sunscreens. It might sound like a power only superheroes could have, but the modest eyeless roundworm has the ability to taste light. Animal photoreceptors usually have two components – a base protein, and a light-absorbing chromophore.