Cabinet of Curiosity

In the past, natural philosophers and wealthy patrons displayed oddities and curiosities in their homes and colleges. These cabinets played an important role in the beginnings of science by igniting curiosity! This curiosity led to a fervor of learning and a spirit of investigation that in turn led to more scientific discoveries. Join us as we scour the Internet, libraries, museums (coffee shops? forests?) to discover curiosities to include in our virtual curio cabinet!

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Bioluminescent plankton

"Sea Sparkles"

Bioluminescent Plankton

These organisms produce light under stressful/dangerous situations

They are often found in warm coastal water. Some locations include: San Diego, Thailand and Australia

Is it Magic? Does it Possess Hidden Qualities?

Unfortunately, no it is not magic

The might from the plankton is caused by an oxidized chemical called Luciferin

The plankton's glow forms as a defense mechanism and appears as flashing which disorients predators

Others that glow like the plankton: Jellyfish and fireflies

References:

http://www.kuoni.co.uk/maldives/bioluminescent-plankton

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-39263456

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/37093310/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/bioluminescence-lights-creatures-oceans/

DIY bioluminescent algae:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Grow-Your-Own-Bioluminescent-Algae/

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)