A Son, a Scientist, and the Secret of Bioluminescence | The Walrus
Briefly

The article discusses the fascinating chemical reaction in fireflies that allows them to produce light without burning, involving luciferin and luciferase that react with oxygen. This process results in a flash of yellow-green light and minimal heat, presenting a mystery in energy release that scientists have sought to understand for years. The narrative intertwines this scientific exploration with a personal reflection on the author’s father, whose declining health evokes deeper inquiries about life, death, and illumination amid darkness, mirroring the wonder of bioluminescence.
Fireflies generate light through a unique chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase, producing light without significant heat, a mystery that puzzled scientists for decades.
As my father's health declines and memory fades, I reflect on the mysteries of life and death, reminiscent of the complexities found in firefly bioluminescence.
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