Discover unique glow-in-the-dark worms
glow worms
Scientists from Nagoya University in Japan have discovered 3 new species of polycirrus worms that glow in the dark, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
And living organisms with bioluminescence are able to produce light as a result of a chemical reaction, and this type of organism enters the field of scientific research, so the new discovery is a golden opportunity for researchers in the field of bioluminescence.
The importance of discovery
The study was led by Professor Naoto Jimmy of Nagoya University, who spoke to Sky News Arabia, saying:
The study focused on a unique group of glow-in-the-dark worms found in Japan called Polyserus .
These worms produce a rare blue-purple light, which makes them interesting to scientists studying bioluminescence.
We had great difficulty identifying the species, but in the end we succeeded in discovering 3 new species of these worms, and the study documented their glowing properties, which paves the way for further research in this field of bioluminescence.
Studying polyserus worms could inform the development of potential applications in areas such as medicine, environmental monitoring, and biology-inspired technologies that can take advantage of the unique properties of bioluminescent organisms.
Understanding the biodiversity of bioluminescent creatures can also help guide conservation efforts, ensuring that these unique species and their habitats are protected.
There are more than 7,000 species of luminous organisms in the world, scientists have studied a limited number of them, and research is still limited to certain types due to the presence of samples that are difficult to classify into types. This explains the difficulty in distinguishing between the different types of polyserus worms.
Jamie says that among the most significant challenges they faced was the continuous reproduction of experimental results, which is critical to validating the results and developing scientific knowledge in the field.
The researchers say they are preparing to conduct more extensive research on the newly discovered species, studying their behaviour, ecology and distribution, as well as the molecular and genetic mechanisms behind their bioluminescence.
In addition to striving to develop advanced techniques and tools to better distinguish between types of polyserus worms, facilitating classification and more accurate investigation of these organisms.
Source : websites