plants will also join the market. Extremely small traces of “glow” have been placed into mustard plants. This luminescence is brought out through physical touch and lasts about an hour after activation. The same team that adapted the mustard plant is now working on a different gene that could glow brighter. Plants such as these, in the future, will serve many features. When potato plants need to be watered they could glow, alerting farmers and saving water. Trees could light up as individuals walked by. Each of these inventions has no consequence and requires no extra effort.
A Lesson Learned from Time
Humans, as far back as Aristotle have noticed the uniqueness of biolumines-cence. Cataloging up to 180 sea life species, Aristotle was the first to realize
Predators have learned to avoid these meals, which would be fatal otherwise. Yet another natural use of bioluminescence can be observed in common fireflies. By blinking their lights in certain patterns, these beetles attract partners during mating season. Bioluminescence can also be used as a means of communication. Flashlight fish, a large family of bioluminescent fish, use bright pockets under their eyes to communicate with other fish. The uses of natural light are endless and are now moving into the human field.
Not only have humans adopted defensive uses of bioluminescence, but we are also starting the craft of bioluminescent genetic engineering. Normal, non-bioluminescent sea life and even plants have been modified to glow just as many other creatures do. Companies such as the popular GloFish sell their fluorescent fish for cheap prices in pet stores. Soon glowing
Louisa Howard
Most bioluminescent animals live in the water, as does most life, but many insects also carry the trait. This Lampyridae, or firefly, is one of these insects. It uses bioluminescence for attracting mates. Fireflies are common all around the world and are a type of beetle.