Fireflies may help light the way to new medical break-throughs. The gentle glow of a firefly on a summer evening is produced by the chemical luciferase. The firefly has a gene with the code that makes this chemical. When that gene is added to the genetic information of other plants or animals, the cells begin to glow harmlessly. Researchers have been using the firefly gene to test their ability to add genetic information to a cell.

REF.: Glowing evidence of gene-altered arteries. Science News, v. 139, June 22, 1991. p. 391. Photo: Eastern Firefly by Art Farmer CC By SA 2.0

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