Syracuse University scientists Mathew Maye and Rebeka Alam discovered how to harness fireflies' natural light by using nanotechnology. Here's how: Fireflies produce light through a chemical reaction between luciferin and the enzyme luciferase. The scientists attached the enzyme to a nanorod. Luciferin, which is added later, is the fuel. The energy that is released when the fuel and the enzyme interact is transferred to a nanorod, causing it to glow. "Firefly light is one of nature's best examples of bioluminescence," Maye says. "The light is extremely bright and efficient. We've found a new way to harness biology for nonbiological applications by manipulating the interface between the biological and nonbiological components."
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