Human beings are remarkable creatures. We’re well known for using large-scale cooperation and the transmission of knowledge to improve things over generations. We also glow in the dark. We are less known for this. Bioluminescence in humans arises mainly because of our metabolism. Our bodies are filled with cells, where lots of little chemical reactions produce energy. When sugar or fat is broken down in a cell, a lot of energy is released, helping to provide the fuel you need to do the things you do.
Whales have internet. Maybe. There is a theory that humpback whale songs, which travel vast underwater distances, are encoded transferences of emotion, allowing all individuals who hear and recognise a specific song to join together into a singular, emotional and informational experience while separated physically. And that’s basically information networking! (Fact curtesy of the podcast Radio Lab, from where I get 80 percent of my brain at any time).
Thank you for a fun article about bioluminescence - I did not know that I glowed in the dark. Even a little bit.
We didn't have fireflies where I grew up, so I used to see them in Calvin & Hobbes cartoons from time to time and wonder what it would be like to see them in the flesh. I did see a few on trips to the US later on, but one of the most unforgettable nature moments of my life was when I saw fireflies on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. We were on a small boat river cruise. The night was pitch black, so we could no longer see even the banks of the river other than as darker blackness against the sky. Above, the stars were thick and bright. Then the fireflies started. They were on all sides of us, and both stars and fireflies reflected in the flat calm water of the river, so it felt like being suspended in space. Incredible.
@Andrew Smith ... love the idea that we are all glowing. One of my all time life highpoints was night swimming in Puerto Vallarta through bioluminescence ... it was more like dancing with light. BTW, your graphics are ... as usual ... stunning. I am making baby steps with image generation and plan on finding a course/workshop as soon as I quit dithering about the Mexico trip. Right now the dial is set to GO mid-April.
We need a glow meter ... maybe if we could measure the level of our inner luminesccence, maybe it would help us make decisions. Work on that, will you?
It's fascinating to learn that we humans have a hidden superpower—bioluminescence, even if it's too faint for us to see. It's incredible to think about the countless chemical reactions happening inside our cells that make this possible.
Man, there are a lot of cool mating rituals in the animal kingdom, but it sure is hard to beat "My butt is literally glowing!"
Well played, fireflies. Well played.
Whales have internet. Maybe. There is a theory that humpback whale songs, which travel vast underwater distances, are encoded transferences of emotion, allowing all individuals who hear and recognise a specific song to join together into a singular, emotional and informational experience while separated physically. And that’s basically information networking! (Fact curtesy of the podcast Radio Lab, from where I get 80 percent of my brain at any time).
Thank you for a fun article about bioluminescence - I did not know that I glowed in the dark. Even a little bit.
We didn't have fireflies where I grew up, so I used to see them in Calvin & Hobbes cartoons from time to time and wonder what it would be like to see them in the flesh. I did see a few on trips to the US later on, but one of the most unforgettable nature moments of my life was when I saw fireflies on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. We were on a small boat river cruise. The night was pitch black, so we could no longer see even the banks of the river other than as darker blackness against the sky. Above, the stars were thick and bright. Then the fireflies started. They were on all sides of us, and both stars and fireflies reflected in the flat calm water of the river, so it felt like being suspended in space. Incredible.
I've been fascinated by fireflies, the way they glow at night. It's stunning to learn that humans have the same quality. Great to learn about this.
I love learning about bio-luminescence and it's cool how they've been finding more and more animals glow in the dark in some form.
Great post! And Lucifer sometimes can't shine in the dark because he's too busy playing hide and seek with the shadows. 😎
Algae in the ocean is incredible to witness!
@Andrew Smith ... love the idea that we are all glowing. One of my all time life highpoints was night swimming in Puerto Vallarta through bioluminescence ... it was more like dancing with light. BTW, your graphics are ... as usual ... stunning. I am making baby steps with image generation and plan on finding a course/workshop as soon as I quit dithering about the Mexico trip. Right now the dial is set to GO mid-April.
We need a glow meter ... maybe if we could measure the level of our inner luminesccence, maybe it would help us make decisions. Work on that, will you?
"We’re well known for using large-scale cooperation and the transmission of knowledge to improve things over generations." If only...
It's fascinating to learn that we humans have a hidden superpower—bioluminescence, even if it's too faint for us to see. It's incredible to think about the countless chemical reactions happening inside our cells that make this possible.
Cat eyes are creepy too! lol
I am fascinated by the fact that WE HUMANS GLOW! Wow!
That is an interesting fact about humans to remember, thank you!
When it comes to other examples: I would love to see the glowing waves created by bioluminescent algae.
Generates quite a warm glow inside too!
Never knew humans possessed bioluminescence. Wow!