Ever wonder how fireflies light up the night?
This Youtube video explains the physiology and biochemistry of firefly bioluminescence:
Optogenetics
Optogenetics is a field of science aimed at using light to activate, or inactivate, neurons and other cells. In exciting new research, scientists at Central Michigan University and Brown University are advancing the field of optogenetics by understanding the physiology of fireflies and other bioluminescent organisms.
With this new research, scientists are trying to teach cells how to regulate their own light ‘switch’ in response to medications or other chemical signals. By emitting light, the cells may turn on (or off) molecular pathways within the cell itself as well as neighboring cells. The hope is to someday apply this technology to the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease. For example, imagine a patient who is beginning to experience a surge of calcium ions prior to a seizure. If the neurons are able to detect the rise in calcium ions and react by producing light, their light might be able to inhibit neighboring cells to prevent a seizure from progressing.
Sources:
Central Michigan University Bioluminescent Optogenetics Laboratory
Categories: Environment, Extreme Animals
Tags: bioluminescence, Diabetes, epilepsy, Firefly, neurological, Parkinson's
Life Lines by Dr. Dolittle 
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