Bioluminescence

August 1, 2015

Gr 6 Up-On pages that alternate between black and lime green, Zimmer takes readers into the world of bioluminescence, or the production and emission of light by living creatures. After providing a brief explanation of how 19th-century physiologist Raphael Dubois discovered that bioluminescence is a product of the enzyme luciferase and the molecule luciferin, Zimmer presents many fascinating examples of animals making use of this ability. The bristlemouth fish uses light-emitting organs on its head and stomach to blend in with water, deep-sea shrimp vomit luminescent slime as a defense mechanism, and dragonfish produce red lights under their eyes to find prey that are unable to perceive the color red. An entire chapter dedicated to fireflies, which flash lights in order to find a mate, focuses on the communication between males and females, as well as how females use bioluminescence to attract-and then eat-males of other species. A chapter on biofluorescence, the capability of some fish to absorb light and immediately give it off as a lower energy green or red light, is also included. Perhaps most intriguing of all is the description of the ways in which fluorescent proteins are used to study diseases such as parasitic illnesses, bird flu, and malaria. Words included in the text aren't highlighted or italicized to indicate which are defined in the glossary. However, there is ample back matter. VERDICT Featuring top-notch photos, this succinct presentation of a complex topic will make a stimulating addition to most science collections.-Meaghan Darling, Long Hill Township Public Library, Gillette, NJ

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July 15, 2015
The cold light of living creatures from fireflies to deep-sea fishes has provided science with new tools to track body processes and the progress of disease. Beginning with a general explanation of luminescence in animals and the discovery of the chemicals luciferase and luciferin that animals use to give off light, researcher Zimmer goes on to introduce some of the animals that use the light they produce to find prey, communicate, and defend themselves. There's a whole chapter on fireflies as "model organisms" frequently studied as representative of bioluminescent creatures. After a chapter on the use of bioluminescent chemicals in science, the author goes on to consider biofluorescence: the emission of received light at a lower-energy color. Mantis shrimp and crystal jellyfish are the example animals here. The green fluorescent protein genes that make biofluorescence possible can be transferred into other organisms for a wide variety of scientific and medical uses. The author is a working and teaching scientist; his explanations are complex but clear enough for an interested student. Boxed information on related topics and interesting examples appear throughout the text, along with plentiful illustrations, mostly photographs. A comprehensive introduction to biofluorescence and bioluminescence by an expert in the field. (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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Starred review from October 15, 2015
Grades 8-11 *Starred Review* Bioluminescent creatures, which create their own light, live mainly in areas of oceans too deep for natural light. In this insightful book, Zimmer begins by introducing a few individual species and the history of people observing, studying, and writing about them. After a discussion of fireflies, the focus turns to the uses of bioluminescence and biofluorescence in studies, particularly those in which fluorescent proteins are inserted into cells by scientists. This technique, which enables them to observe processes such as how malaria parasites enter the bloodstream of a human host, has many applications in research on diseases such as flu, dengue fever, and cancer. Informative sidebars and captioned color photos appear throughout the book. There's a good deal to admire in this intriguing title. Bioluminescence evokes a sense of wonder in anyone who has caught a lightning bug or seen a greenish glow in ocean waves at night, yet little information on the topic is available for young people. A chemist, researcher, and college professor, Zimmer knows the field of luminescence as only an involved scientist could. Put simply, he clearly explains what's happening in the field and why it matters. A fascinating look at bioluminescence and its unexpected applications.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)