Americans, on average, replace their mobile phones every 22 months, junking more than 150 million phones a year in the process. Now researchers are on the path to creating biodegradable electronics by using organic components in screen displays. The researchers’ advancements could one day help reduce electronic waste in the world’s landfills.

Inspired by octopuses and chameleons, researchers have developed technique for using a metallic nanostructure to create the first full-color, flexible display so thin it could be used to create color-changing clothing.