LIVING LIGHT

Aitken spotlights bioluminescence in the natural world.

This survey of bioluminescence among plants and animals explains the phenomenon, describes research in the field (including ways that recently isolated bioluminescent genes support research in other areas), and discusses conservation issues. Bioluminescent animals use light to communicate, reproduce, and feed and defend themselves. Descriptions and photographs of these animals provide some of the most dramatic content of this information-packed title. Readers without some science background may get bogged down in the third chapter’s details about DNA and proteins, whose discoveries have led to scientific breakthroughs. But those who persevere will be rewarded by extensive examples of luminous animals and plants and heartened to learn how many diseases the use of green fluorescent protein is helping to cure. A final chapter describes threats, bioluminescent organisms used in art and fashion, and what readers themselves can do to support these intriguing creatures; Aitken quotes an ocean explorer who has built “Eye-in-the-Sea,” a new stealth camera system, to discover more such creatures. The author occasionally personalizes the narrative by inserting his own experience as a biologist. Though the text is broken up by colorful and clearly captioned and sourced illustrations, subheadings, and text boxes, this is still a challenging read, yet one well worth the effort. The few humans represented have a range of skin tones.

Shines new light on light-making organisms.