Harnessing The Power of Bioluminescence
I’ve heard many reports that the clear, cold ocean water near near the town of Castine, Maine can be seen at night, glowing a bright blue tone we normally only associate with electromagnetic radiation. It’s not pollution that makes these waters light up. Bioluminescent phytoplankton thrive in the waters near Castine due to a special ecosystem that supports these tiny, glowing creatures. Bioluminescence, or the ability of an organism to create and emit its own light, is most often associated with fireflies. Almost everyone has a fond memory of seeing a field of fireflies light up on a summer night. While fireflies probably originally evolved the ability to light up as a way to ward off predators, they mostly use this ability to find mates. Males fly around in the night, flashing their bioluminescent light organ for females to see while the female flashes back at him from her perch. And while 80-90% of bioluminescent creatures live in the ocean (fireflies are unique in this way) almost all bioluminescent organisms use this special skill as a tool for survival. The bioluminescent phytoplankton of Castine are sometimes lovingly called “the fireflies of the sea.” While humans are naturally drawn to their beautiful blue glow, the organisms’ intention is to scare off potential predators.
There are even bioluminescent fungi. More than 80 species of mushroom can glow in the dark, lighting up in tones of neon green or blue. Scientists believe the fungi light up to attract insects that will assist the mushrooms in releasing spores to reproduce (once again—bioluminescence used as a survival tool).
We learned all about bioluminescence in one of our most recent Nature Links classes. We, of course, shared stories of seeing fireflies on a summer night and learned about the special enzymes (luciferin and luciferase) that combine in a chemical reaction to help these incredible organisms release their own light. But perhaps what most interested our participants was the idea of how we could use this special, naturally occurring phenomenon to aid our own survival. How can we harness the power of bioluminescence to help make our planet safer and healthier for all plants and animals?
Bioluminescent water along Maine’s coastline (photo by Benjamin Williamson)
As early as the 19th century, coal miners reportedly filled jars with fireflies to use as safety lights underground. But modern scientists, engineers and biotech companies are finding much more innovative ways to use bioluminescence to do good. One example is a French company called Glowee. They’re using bioluminescent bacteria to light up street signs, billboards, storefronts and more. They even offer a “meditative experience” where customers can spend time in a room lit only through bioluminescence.
Bioluminescence is also being used to aid important advancements in cancer research. Gary and Kathy Luker are scientists at the University of Michigan who are studying the chemicals created by click beetles that help those insects light up with a red or green glow. In recent experiments, they’ve devised a way to turn healthy cells red and cancer cells green, a development that could potentially allow for non-invasive cancer screenings.
Other companies are developing ways to use bioluminescence to light up potentially dangerous bacteria in drinking water or engineer crops that light up when they’re ready to be harvested. There’s even a candy company creating luminous sweets. Bioluminescence is not only beautiful and mysterious. The magnificent power of bioluminescence has the potential to help make our world healthier, safer and create a brighter future for all.
