Everyone must have seen the firefly in childhood and would have been a little amazed when it glows, but the surprising thing was that it could do so only because of Bioluminescence. The emission of light by living organisms is called bioluminescence. They produce light because of a biochemical reaction in which a light-emitting compound, called luciferin, reacts with oxygen to generate light. These organisms do this primarily to lure prey and attract potential mates. Furthermore, Bioluminescence helps them in establishing contact with each other in their own species.
Bioluminescence, like everything else in history, has been used by humans to their advantage, whether it's the bioluminescent fungi used by aborigines as flashlights to light up dense forests or to receive help from jars filled with fireflies used by workers in coal mines as safety lamps. Prior to the development of safety lamps for use in coal mines, dried fish skins were used in Britain and Europe as a weak source of light. This experimental form of lighting avoided the need to use candles.
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But nowadays it is also being used to monitor water toxicity to highlight the possible presence of contaminants in water. But nature has bestowed this gift not only on insects or deep sea creatures but also on many plants. During the American Civil War at the Battle of Shiloh, some soldiers' wounds began to glow and this helped their wounds to heal more quickly and recover from infection. This was the result of bioluminescence bacteria living in the soil and the release of anti-microbial chemicals that protected the soldiers from infection. This led to the phenomenon's nickname "Angel's Glow.
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Even the human body produces Bioluminescence, but it is in such a small amount that it is not visible to the eyes as it is 1,000 times less intense than the levels to which our naked eyes are sensitive. This beautiful view of Bioluminescence can be witnessed in the ocean as well when the impressive blue lights release out from the ocean water in the darkness of the night, leaving everyone stunned. The bioluminescent organisms most frequently found in the surface layers of the ocean may be dinoflagellates, which are responsible for the sparkling phosphorescence sometimes seen at night in turbid waters. However, if you want to enjoy great sightings of bioluminescence, you can visit Maldives or Indonesia.
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