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Illustration of glowing fireflies
Glow-in-the-dark Diagnostics
A nucleic acid detection platform that marries CRISPR diagnostic tools with bioluminescence could accelerate treatment decisions in the clinic.
Glow-in-the-dark Diagnostics
Glow-in-the-dark Diagnostics

A nucleic acid detection platform that marries CRISPR diagnostic tools with bioluminescence could accelerate treatment decisions in the clinic.

A nucleic acid detection platform that marries CRISPR diagnostic tools with bioluminescence could accelerate treatment decisions in the clinic.

bioluminescence

A tubifer cardinalfish
Genome Spotlight: Tubifer cardinalfish (Siphamia tubifer)
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Apr 28, 2022 | 3 min read
These tiny reef fish harbor luminous bacteria, and the chromosome-level assembly of the species’ genome may facilitate the duo’s use as a vertebrate model for symbiosis.
Colorized satellite image of milky sea
Milky Seas Can Be Spotted from Space
Connor Lynch | Nov 1, 2021 | 5 min read
Analysis of data from a new satellite sensor helps researchers detect large patches of bioluminescence in the oceans faster than ever before.
Fireflies glowing in a dark forest provide a captivating example of the luciferase-catalyzed bioluminescent reaction, which has been harnessed as a powerful research tool.
Luciferase: A Powerful Bioluminescent Research Tool
Priyom Bose, PhD | 9 min read
Luciferase refers to a group of bioluminescence producing enzymes that enable researchers to study gene expression and regulation.
Fireflies lighting up a tree at night
Firefly Tourism Sparks Calls for Sustainable Practices
Asher Jones | Jun 1, 2021 | 5 min read
More and more people are traveling around the world to watch the luminous displays of fireflies, but tourism-related light pollution and habitat degradation threaten to snuff out the insects at some locations.  
a photo of fish swimming
Fish Steals Bioluminescence from Prey
Abby Olena, PhD | Jan 9, 2020 | 3 min read
Rather than making its own light, a shallow-water marine fish gets all the tools that it needs for bioluminescence production from eating tiny, glowing crustaceans.
Flashlight fish
Image of the Day: Flashlight Fish
Nicoletta Lanese | Aug 21, 2019 | 1 min read
The bioluminescent Anomalops katoptron can coordinate its schooling behavior after dark. 
Image of the Day: Light Show
Carolyn Wilke | Feb 7, 2019 | 1 min read
Sea fireflies spew a mucus with a chemical glow to lure mates and avoid being eaten.
Image of the Day: Breathe In
Carolyn Wilke | Jan 14, 2019 | 1 min read
Inhalable particles carrying mRNA make mouse lungs glow.
Image of the Day: Fire Alarm
Sukanya Charuchandra | Aug 24, 2018 | 1 min read
Bats use both echolocation and vision to avoid eating unpleasant fireflies.
Image of the Day: Glowing Tide
The Scientist and The Scientist Staff | May 10, 2018 | 1 min read
Each year, bioluminescent microorganisms create striking displays on the beaches of San Diego.
Image of the Day: Inner Glow
The Scientist and The Scientist Staff | Feb 26, 2018 | 1 min read
Researchers engineered a system for bioluminescent imaging that is as much as 1,000 times stronger than existing methods.
Starfish in the Deep Sea Can See
Abby Olena, PhD | Feb 6, 2018 | 3 min read
A study of 13 starfish species reveals that even animals that live at depths where sunlight doesn’t reach have functioning eyes.
Image of the Day: Plant Bulbs 
The Scientist and The Scientist Staff | Dec 14, 2017 | 1 min read
Scientists infuse plants with the luminescence of fireflies. 
Image of the Day: Psychedelic Symbiosis
The Scientist | Jul 12, 2017 | 1 min read
Thanks to the bioluminescent bacteria inhabiting its light organ, the vividly colored southern bobtail squid (Euprymna tasmanica) can glow in the dark. 
Transgenic Mouse Illuminates Melanoma Metastasis
Abby Olena, PhD | Jun 28, 2017 | 4 min read
Glowing cells mark the routes of tumor spread by way of newly formed lymph vessels. 
Image of the Day: Root Rave 
The Scientist | May 24, 2017 | 1 min read
Pea plant (Pisum sativum) roots that have been inoculated with engineered Rhizobia bacteria glow in the presence of certain proteins. 
Image of the Day: Night Lights
The Scientist | Apr 30, 2017 | 1 min read
The bioluminescent mushroom, Neonothopanus gardneri, glows green when luciferase enzymes interact with luciferin molecules, triggering a chemical reaction that releases light.
Evolution of Fish Bioluminescence
Tanya Lewis | Jun 9, 2016 | 1 min read
Fish evolved to make their own light at least 27 times, according to a study.
Picturing Infection
Kelly Rae Chi | Jan 1, 2015 | 7 min read
Whole-animal, light-based imaging of infected small mammals
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