Bermuda fireworms have long been a subject of scientific curiosity due to their bluish-green bioluminescence, and researchers recently gained insights into how unique it truly is.
Bermuda fireworms (Odontosyllis enopla) have long been a subject of scientific curiosity due to their bluish-green bioluminescence, and researchers recently gained insights into how unique it truly is. A team led by American Museum of Natural History scientists confirmed that "the enzymes responsible for the fireworms' glow is unique among bioluminescent animals and entirely unlike those seen in fireflies." A museum release notes that, while, like many creatures that light up, their gleam is luciferase-based, "the luciferases found in Bermuda fireworms and their relatives are distinct from those found in any other organism to date." Michael Tessler, one of the researchers, said the discovery is "particularly exciting…because if you can get things to light up under particular circumstances, that can be really useful for tagging molecules for biomedical research."
Bermuda fireworms (Odontosyllis enopla) have long been a subject of scientific curiosity due to their bluish-green bioluminescence, and researchers recently gained insights into how unique it truly is. A team led by American Museum of Natural History scientists confirmed that "the enzymes responsible for the fireworms' glow is unique among bioluminescent animals and entirely unlike those seen in fireflies." A museum release notes that, while, like many creatures that light up, their gleam is luciferase-based, "the luciferases found in Bermuda fireworms and their relatives are distinct from those found in any other organism to date." Michael Tessler, one of the researchers, said the discovery is "particularly exciting…because if you can get things to light up under particular circumstances, that can be really useful for tagging molecules for biomedical research."
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