Glowing Animals

Have you ever seen, or heard someone see an animal that glowed? Did you believe it? Well animals that glow are in fact, true as ice itself! Mark Zimmer, a chemistry professor teaching at Connecticut College, used animals that have fluorescent proteins in their cells, such as certain salamanders, mice, and fish, to show his students how interesting chemistry can be. The vibrant pets assisted Zimmer with his explanation on his research on bioluminescence, a natural phenomenon by which living organisms transfer chemical energy into light energy. Zimmer is attempting to make fluorescent proteins that extend their glow longer and brighter. As spoken before of the fluorescent proteins in their cells, geneticists have engineered the animals to receiving these proteins in a painless process that educate the students about the different and marvelous uses of chemistry.
Back in 1962, scientists have identified a protein called GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) by researching one of the most known glowing creatures, the jellyfish. Researchers found small organs along the edge of the jellyfish that sparked green pinpricks of light.


To this day, bioengineering has enabled GFP to light a wide range of creatures that help scientist experiment the processes. These research studies could help improve our lives by health by expediting and advancing treatment for cancer and diabetes.


With this in mind, researchers have engineered bacteria with GFP so they fluoresce in the presence of bioterrorism agents like anthrax and they hope to join it together to agricultural crops therefore it glows when dehydrated.


In the process of being acknowledged by this, my mind was blown, theoretically of course. I hadn't realize how interesting glowing animals, and how scientists researched this. This new knowledge about animals glowing has attracted me to learn more about it. I hope this did the same to you as you read it!


Site: http://www.livescience.com/researchinaction/ria-100204.html