Scientists at ETH Zurich have created a remarkable new material: glow-in-the-dark wood infused with bioluminescent fungi. By integrating Armillaria mellea—a type of fungus known for its natural greenish glow—into wood structures, researchers have developed a sustainable lighting solution that requires no electricity, batteries, or artificial components. The wood absorbs light during the day and emits a soft glow at night, making it both energy-efficient and visually captivating. This innovation could revolutionize urban infrastructure by providing low-impact, renewable lighting for streets, parks, and pathways. It also opens up new possibilities for eco-friendly architectural design, where biological components enhance the functionality of building materials. As cities search for greener alternatives to cut emissions and light pollution, glowing wood could soon become a beacon—literally—of sustainable innovation. #Bioluminescence #GlowInTheDark #SustainableDesign #UrbanInnovation #FungalEngineering

Of all the insects on Earth, fireflies are among the rare few that communicate using light. Although commonly called flies, they’re actually beetles. Fireflies use their flashing light patterns much like humans use speech — to attract mates, signal their presence, and sometimes even to trick others. This glow comes from a small organ called a lantern, located on the underside of their abdomen. Inside, special cells known as photocytes trigger a chemical reaction that produces light without heat — a process known as bioluminescence.

The telescope fish (genus Gigantura) inhabits the midnight zone (bathypelagic zone) of the ocean, typically 1,000 to 4,000 meters deep. Named for their telescopic, upward-facing tubular eyes, these fish are highly adapted for life in complete darkness. Their eyes help detect silhouettes of prey illuminated by faint overhead light or bioluminescence. Telescope fish can grow up to 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) and have elongated, transparent bodies with reflective scales that reduce their visibility to predators. They are ambush predators, often feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans. These creatures are rarely seen due to the extreme depths they inhabit, and much of what we know comes from deep-sea trawling expeditions and ROV footage.