When forests glow green in the night

There are certain times when the woods begin to glow. Sometimes they glow so much that people call the Park Service and ask them to send a hazmat team. What they're actually seeing is foxfire. And although we know how it happens, we don't know exactly why.

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Lanternshark is part shark, part lightsaber, all awesome

Measuring only about a foot and a half long, the lanternshark may seem distinctly less impressive than its larger shark cousins. But this diminutive fish has mastered the art of bioluminescence, concealing themselves from prey while challenging any potential predators.

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These pretty mushrooms can cure cancer — if they don't kill you in the…

Unfortunately, those properties are deadly. These are the jack-o-lantern mushrooms, and their gills have a faint, but beautiful, bioluminescence. The mushrooms are intriguing in theory, but they're lethal when it comes to actual practice.

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How elephant seals use bioluminescence to hunt in the dark

If you're an aquatic mammal, how do you hunt in the darkest seas, where light can't penetrate? Dolphins have it easy with their echolocation, but what about the other animals with much more limited senses? They chase after critters that provide their own light.

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At last, the secrets of bioluminescence could find their way into…

Scientists from Syracuse University have found a way to mimic the bioluminescent qualities of fireflies, a development that could lead to products with multicolor strings of light that don't require electricity or batteries to glow.

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Glowing bellies actually help tiny sharks to hide from predators

You might think a stomach that lights up would be a liability when you're trying to avoid getting eaten — but the glowing bellies of tiny sharks are helpful in camouflaging them from predators lurking below, researchers say.

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Use transgenic fish to make bioluminescent sushi rolls

Really, one of the key issues with sushi is that it doesn't glow under black light. To solve that problem, the Center for Genomic Gastronomy is using genetically modified fishies from the pet store to create tasty treats that will be perfect for your next rave.

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Meet the tiny "bomber" worm that uses glowing decoys to escape predators

This awesome photo is of a newly discovered deep sea worm, Swima fulgida. Measuring just over an inch long, this little guy lives 9,000 feet underwater and escapes predators by flinging homemade "bombs" at its enemies.

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