Science defines bioluminescence as an ability of living organisms to produce and emit light. Most sea creatures have been observed to be bioluminescent, driving researchers to learn what mechanism generate their light and what significance humans can derive from the studying these glowing creatures.

Though bioluminescence is seen in fireflies, glowworms, or some species of mushrooms that glow on land, it is estimated by scientists and researchers that up to 90% of creatures living in the open ocean are bioluminescent. Though studies of deep-sea creatures are still limited due to the difficulty in getting to them.

Two-thirds of the Earth is covered by the ocean, but sadly, we know more about Mars than our deep seas. Scientists are still hard at work trying to figure out why so many sea creatures use bioluminescence to attract mates, catch prey, or even protect themselves, more importantly, how they produce and emit light.

Usually blue in color, bioluminescence range from violet to green-yellow and occasionally, red, according to Sönke Johnsen, Professor of Biology, Duke University, and NOAA reported. Research determined that there are three components needed for bioluminescence: oxygen, luciferin (light-emitting pigment), and an enzyme called luciferase. Mixing these three ingredients together makes light.

Bioluminescence is not only fascinating but it is also 90 percent efficient as well. Only 10 percent of energy is wasted as heat in the process of illumination, whereas, we use energy to illuminate light bulbs in reverse. Designing lighting systems and fixtures to mimic bioluminescence could save energy.

According to PLOS|one, our bodies literally glimmers. Not like vampires in "Twilight," but our light emission is 1,000 times lower than what our eyes can actually perceive. However, using highly specialized equipment, we can detect cancerous cells. Research shows cancers emit more light than normal cells do, and using this process can help oncologists pinpoint the location of these tumors and cancerous cells.

In 2008, biologist Osamu Shimomura along with Drs. Martin Chalfie and Roger Tsien received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the study of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in jellyfish. GFP is now used in biomedical research to help track cancer growth, insulin production, and the movement of HIV proteins.

An enzyme that causes bioluminescence in beetles was employed to carry out pyrosequencing, a method used to sequence DNA of living organisms, and also in 2008, the full genome of a modern human was mapped using this procedure. Likewise, that same year, the complete genome of a Neanderthal was also mapped in the research.

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