Cold Light: Creatures, Discoveries, and Inventions That Glow

Science News,  March 8, 2008  

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COLD LIGHT: Creatures, Discoveries, and Inventions That Glow

ANITA SITARSKI

Fireflies and fires have this in common: Light is emitted from electrons as they lose energy. Fires and light bulbs are left out as Sitarski chronicles "cold light" for readers over age 9. The chemicals that react to create visible light from animals were elucidated in 1885 by the French scientist Raphael Dubois. He removed and pulverized the parts of a fire beetle that emitted light. After mixing the resulting powder with a variety of solutions, he concluded he had two chemicals, which he subsequently named luciferin and luciferase (lucifer translates to "light bearer" in Latin). These chemicals have since been found in other bioluminescent organisms, ranging from single-celled dinoflagellates to certain petite squids. While lantern fish use a luminescent lure to attract prey, scientists have learned to use cold light to help them with research. By inserting the genes from bioluminescent jellyfish into other cells, scientists can watch the fluorescent cells under a microscope and see where they move and proliferate within animals.

Boyds Mills Press, 2007, 48 p., color photos, hardcover, $16.95.

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