Lights – powered by nano-flies
Researchers at Syracuse University have found a way to extract the light from fireflies and use them in a synthetic environment, by using nanorods dosed with Luciferase, the glow-inducing enzyme.
Other researchers have previously tried, with little success, but this method has managed to yield up to 20-30 times more efficient light. But still, it can only be used for ambient and decorative lighting.
Still, anything that helps promote Earth’s long-term sustainability needs to be applauded. The team has even managed to produce different coloured lights by varying the lengths of the nanorod.
They are now studying how to transfer more energy and make the system work on a larger scale.
Report here.
Fun fact: Luciferase is derived from the word Lucifer, which means “light-bearer” in Latin.