chemical reaction

From glowing corals to vomiting shrimp, animals have been using bioluminescence to communicate for millions of years – here’s what scientists still don’t know about it

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People have long been fascinated by organisms that can produce light. Aristotle, who was both a scientist and a philosopher, wrote the first detailed descriptions of what he called “cold light” more than 2,000 years ago. More recently, pioneering researchers such as World War II Army veteran Emmett Chappelle and deep immersion pilot Edith Widder … Read more

From glowing corals to vomiting shrimp, animals have been using bioluminescence to communicate for millions of years – here’s what scientists still don’t know about it

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The colonial false gold coral Savalia shows bioluminescence in the Caribbean in 2009. Sönke Johnsen, CC BY-ND Octocorals can create coral gardens and animal forests in the oceans, especially in the deep sea. These communities provide homes and nurseries for many other animals, including fish and sharks. All octocorals use the same chemical reaction to … Read more