Scientists in China have developed a first-of-its-kind artificial imaging system inspired by snakes that are able to “see” heat coming off their prey in total darkness. The sensor captures ultra-high-resolution infrared (IR) images in 4K resolution (3,840 × 2,160 pixels) — matching the image quality of the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera.

Any object with a temperature above absolute zero (−460 degrees Fahrenheit or-273 degrees Celsius) emits some electromagnetic radiation. For normal body heat, this has a wavelength in the IR range. The human eye can only pick up shorter wavelengths that are in the visible light range.