An illuminating short video showing stunning views of Dunedin's glowworm population sheds fresh light on the unique creatures.
The video, published on United States public radio website Science Friday, focuses on research by the University of Otago Departments of Biochemistry and Chemistry into glowworm bioluminescence (how glowworms glow).
The video presents stunning views of Dunedin’s local glowworm population and some of the researchers’ investigations carried out on these carnivores, which use their light produced in their tails to attract prey.
Department of Biochemistry's Dr Miriam Sharpe said she was interested in production of light by glowworms (which technically are fly larval gnats), and the proteins that catalyse and control this bioluminescence.
She said the biochemical processes involved were different to those that fireflies use to glow.
Dr Sharpe and Prof Kurt Krause worked with Biochemistry and Chemistry PhD student Oliver Watkins and chemistry Prof Nigel Perry to show that the small molecule luciferin, acted on by these proteins, in New Zealand glowworms was "very different" to the corresponding components which light up fireflies.
By investigating the structures and mechanisms of action of these proteins and luciferin, Dr Sharpe hoped to develop new bioluminescent biotechnological tools.
For instance, the light-generating proteins that makes glowworms’ tails light up could potentially be used in research into cancer drug developments.
The process fireflies used to create light was already used in scientific experiments, but the different chemistry of the glowworms meant their light could potentially be used in new ways.
Dr Sharpe and colleagues are also investigating the Japanese firefly squid, which used crystals to make intense blue light to distract its predators.