Firefly-inspired bioluminescence

Fireflies utilize a relatively well-understood chemical process to produce light -- but they can only glow certain colors. In an upcoming issue of Nano Letters, researchers at Syracuse University describe a novel nanorod-based method that adapts this bioluminescent process to a variety of colors. Fireflies combine the compound luciferin with the enzyme luciferase, producing light. Matthew Maye, assistant professor at SU, attached luciferin molecules to cadmium-based semiconductor nanorods. Now, ...