Wednesday Science: Bioluminescence

Man, I love my job. :) This morning I got to experiment with ostracods, dried ocean crustaceans from the Sea of Japan. When mixed with water and crushed, they glow blue. That's because they release a protein, luciferin, that can react with oxygen in the water, and an enzyme, luciferase, which works as a catalyst to kick off the luciferin's reaction. The resulting energy is released as glowing blue light. Completely cool, literally - the energy is almost all light, rather than light and heat like incandescent light.

About 90% of deep-sea creatures use bioluminescence for things like finding food, attracting a mate, and protection from predators.

Check out these images of bioluminescent ocean life!