U.S. military eyes the glow of fireflies

GarryFre writes: NEW LONDON, Conn. – Someday, the secrets of fireflies or glowing sea plankton could save an American soldier in battle, a Navy SEAL on a dive or a military pilot landing after a mission.

That's the hope behind a growing field of military-sponsored research into bioluminescence, a phenomenon that's under the microscope in laboratories around the country.

This phenomenon is noteworthy because this produces light without wasting energy because it does not generate any heat.

A possible military use of bio-luminescence would be creating biodegradable landing zone markers that helicopters can spot even as wind from their rotors kicks up dirt.

Soldiers have used bio-luminescent creatures in battle for centuries, including Japanese troops who smeared one creature's dried remains on their wet hands to help them read maps and compasses during World War II.

But bioluminescence can be a foe, too, especially for the Navy if its vessels or divers are amid the microorganisms that glow when disturbed.