La bioluminescence des plages méditerranéennes est causée par le Dinoflagellé, micro-organisme unicellulaire. Il possède dans sa cellule planctonique un organite appelé scintillon. Cet organite émet une lumière bleue quand l’eau est agitée (stimulus mécanique). Selon Martin Burkenroad, en 1943, cette bioluminescence servirait de défense contre les prédateurs: les zooplanctons et les petits crustacés qui se nourrissent des Dinoflagellés.

Espèces n°54, p17-18.
#science #bioluminescence

🌿💡 Researchers at South #China Agricultural University are using phosphor particles to turn #succulents into natural light sources.

These #plants absorb sunlight and emit a visible glow for several hours after dark. The #technology could eventually reduce #energy needs by providing light for city streets and #gardens.

👉 http://www.euronews.com/next/2026/04/02/chinese-scientists-unveil-glowing-avatar-like-plants-that-could-light-cities-without-elect

#science #innovation #nature #bioluminescence #sustainability #energy #tech #urbanplanning #botany

A man who wanted to ‘see music’ paired a piano with bioluminescent algae. It’s magical to watch.

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.upworthy.com/htx-studio-makes-bioluminescent-algae-piano-to-see-music/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=htx-studio-makes-bioluminescent-algae-piano-to-see-music

🐟✨ Organisms ranging from deep-sea #predators to #forest #insects produce light through internal chemical reactions. This trait evolved independently across many lineages to assist with hunting and communication in dark environments.

👉 https://ww2.kqed.org/science/2026/03/31/why-do-animals-glow-the-science-of-bioluminescence/

#bioluminescence #biology #nature #science #ocean #deepsea #evolution #chemistry

Turbulence and Bioluminescence

If you’ve ever seen crashing waves glowing blue, you’ve been treated to bioluminescence. Although many creatures can bioluminesce, tiny dinoflagellates–a type of marine phytoplankton–are one of the easiest to spot. These microscopic organisms create a flash of light in response to viscous stresses. Their response to flow-induced stresses is so robust that they can be used to visualize stress fields.

In a new study, researchers explored how turbulence affects the dinoflagellate’s luminescence. They mathematically modeled the dinoflagellate as an elastic dumbbell that emitted light based on its extent and rate of deformation. Then they explored how this model dinoflagellate behaved in different types of turbulent flows. They found that the fluctuations and intermittency of turbulent flows both encouraged the radiant displays. (Image credit: T. McKinnon; research credit: P. Kumar and J. Picardo)