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Biofluorescence

All articles tagged with #biofluorescence

environment4 days ago•27 min saved

UV Light Unmasks a Hidden Glow on Cassowary Casques

Scientists shined ultraviolet light on cassowaries and discovered that the casque on these birds glows green-blue, with southern and northern cassowaries showing strong, species-specific fluorescence patterns while dwarf cassowaries show little glow. While not yet proven as a social signal, the glow could help with species or individual recognition and offers a modern cue for studying extinct dinosaurs; the study examined 95 birds and preserved specimens, and researchers aim to test the cue’s relevance under natural rainforest light in future work.

via ZME Science|

#biofluorescence #cassowary #communication

science2 years ago•2 min saved

Surprising Prevalence of Fluorescent Mammals, Including Cats

A recent study published in Royal Society Open Science has revealed that over 100 mammalian species, including cats, exhibit biofluorescence, a phenomenon where animals emit light in various colors of the electromagnetic spectrum when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This discovery significantly increases the number of known mammals with this trait. The study found that white and light-colored fur was fluorescent in most species, while pigmented claws also exhibited fluorescence in some. The researchers noted that while biofluorescence was observed in both diurnal and nocturnal species, it was slightly more common in nocturnal mammals. However, caution is advised when using UV light to spot glowing mammals, as it can damage their eyesight.

via Gizmodo|

#biofluorescence #mammals #nocturnal-species

science2 years ago•3 min saved

Unveiling the World of Glowing Mammals: New Study Discovers Over 125 Fluorescent Species

Scientists have discovered that fluorescence, the ability to emit light after absorbing ultraviolet light, is present in 125 species of mammals across various families and orders. This includes platypuses, wombats, foxes, polar bears, zebras, and more. The study suggests that fluorescence may be widespread in mammals, although its specific biological role remains unclear. The phenomenon could be a by-product of surface chemistry or have an evolutionary advantage, such as aiding visibility in low-light conditions for nocturnal species. The presence of fluorescence in pigmented fur suggests the involvement of chemicals other than keratin, which is known to cause fluorescence in unpigmented or pale-colored hair.

via ScienceAlert|

#biofluorescence #evolutionary-advantage #fluorescent-mammals

biology2 years ago•3 min saved

"Frogs' Twilight Glow: Illuminating Love in the Shadows"

A study of 151 South American frog species has revealed that every single individual exhibited some degree of fluorescence, indicating that biofluorescence is widespread among frogs. The fluorescence is well-matched to frogs' vision and ecology, suggesting it plays a role in communication and possibly predator deterrence. The glow is brightest during twilight, the time when many frogs are most active, and is most visible in the parts of the body involved in signaling to other frogs. The green glow is particularly significant, matching the perception peak of frogs' green rods and differing from background colors during breeding hours. Further research is needed to determine the function of the orange fluorescence.

via ScienceAlert|

#biofluorescence #biology #communication