How about re-purposing the greenery around you to illuminate the pathways when sun isn’t there? Well, it might sound like I am daydreaming or stretching it a bit pointlessly. However, the designer Audrey-Richard Laurent is very sure about it. He speculates a scenario wherein trees will replace streetlights. He has won accolades for it at the Design Academy on Newzy.com. Thus, he ventures to re-strengthen the supposition, that says:
In urban areas, one usually sees a row of trees parallel to streetlights. Then why not hybridize them?
It’s perfectly possible to hybridize them since biochemistry nowadays is capable of replicating light emitting potential to a vegetal material.
Anyhow, the nature is in itself a vast storehouse of such light-emitting organisms. Deep-sea marine species and non-marine organisms like jellyfishes, fireflies, Jack O’Lantern mushroom and ghost fungus emit light in the blue and the green light spectrum, excepting the Black Dragonfish that produces a red glow. Over and above, biomedical researchers have harnessed Luciferase systems using bioluminescence imaging.
What is Bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is the natural mechanism responsible for the production and emission of cold light by a living organism due to a chemical reaction that converts chemical energy into light energy. In most cases, it’s because of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This inherent quality allows the organisms to lure the prey, attract mates, repel predators and illumine the surroundings for better visibility.
How biotechnology affects it?
Researchers worldwide have always been trying to inculcate it into organisms that don’t luminesce. A variety of far-fetched utilities takes in creating designer pets, agricultural crops and Christmas trees.
Yes, bioluminescent Christmas tree, here’s one. It utilizes the “Microbes of Light” to offer clean and cold blue-green radiant energy for hours.
Who knows if the concept ever comes anywhere near to reality, one might ask for bioluminescent furniture. Why look outside?
