The article “Bioluminescent Bays Shine Light on Puerto Rico’s Resilience” published on Nova Next, the digital publication of NOVA, the PBS science documentary series, features the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico, and discusses the impact of Hurricane Maria, which slammed into Puerto Rico in September 2017 as a Category 4 hurricane.
Article on the Art and Science of Bioluminescence
An article published in the online Signal to Noise Magazine titled “Putting the Spotlight on Artists Who Glow” focuses on the art and science of bioluminescence. One of the features is the installation Infinity Cube, a collaboration between artist Iyvone Khoo and marine biologist Dr. Michael Latz, that was on display at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps during 2017-2018.
Remembering Physicist and Educator Dr. Jim Rohr
Jim Rohr had a 30 year career with the Department of Defense at Spawar Systems Center (SSC) Pacific in San Diego, first as a research physicist studying fluid mechanics, underwater acoustics, and marine biology. He obtained a Ph.D. in Engineering Physics at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). He served for several years as a research associate at Scripps … Read More
U.S. Postal Stamps on Bioluminescent Life
The U.S. Postal Service has issued stamps related to bioluminescence. From their web site: Bioluminescence – the ability of some living things to generate their own light – occurs on many branches of the tree of life. With this sheet of 20 stamps, the U.S. Postal Service showcases 10 examples of Bioluminescent Life. The stamps feature: deep-ocean octopus, midwater jellyfish, … Read More
What’s In a Name? Lingulodinium polyedra, the dinoflagellate formerly known as L. polyedrum and Gonyaulax polyedra
A 1989 paper by John Dodge rocked the dinoflagellate community. The much loved and studied dinoflagellate Gonyaulax polyedra, known for its spectacular bioluminescent displays and red tides in southern California and elsewhere, was renamed based on new insights into its morphology and to align the name with that of its spiny cyst, then known as Lingulodinium machaerophorum. So the motile … Read More
Recovery of Caribbean Bioluminescent Bays after Hurricane Maria
On September 20, Hurricane Maria slammed into the VIrgin Islands as a category 5 hurricane and pounded Puerto Rico as a category 4. With torrential rain and wind gusts up to 200 miles per hour, it caused widespread devastation including loss of electricity and cell service for the entire territory. The hurricane also impacted four bioluminescent bays. Unlike our local bioluminescent … Read More
“The Artistry of Dinoflagellate Bioluminescence”
In a new article, Dr. Latz explores his artist collaborations in expressing the aesthetic beauty of nature in a creative way that avoids the technical details and jargon that tend to limit the effectiveness of science communication. The objective of the artists’ works is to engage the viewer and perhaps provide the opportunity to educate the curious about science. The article … Read More
Infinity Cube Bioluminescence Art Exhibit at the Birch Aquarium
Infinity Cube, an innovative exhibit featuring bioluminescence, opened April 7, 2017 at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. In collaboration with Dr. Latz, London-based artist Iyvone Khoo has created a dark ‘sensorial space’ of light projection and sound within a reflective cube to create an immersive experience. Art is a creative way to express the beauty of nature and communicate what science … Read More
Bioluminescence Art Exhibit Coming to the Birch Aquarium of Scripps
Infinity Cube, an immersive art installation focusing on bioluminescence, is coming to the Birch Aquarium in April 2017. Based on a collaboration between London-based artist Iyvone Khoo and Dr. Latz, it consists of a ‘sensorial space’ that explores the aesthetic beauty of dinoflagellate bioluminescence via video projections onto a reflecting cube, accompanied by soundscapes. This unique installation serves as a … Read More
Navy Interest in Bioluminescence
The military has long been interested in bioluminescence. For a while the U.S. Navy was a major supporter of ocean research in bioluminescence. Did you know that the last German U-boat sunk during World War I was detected based on the bioluminescence it stimulated? A recent article in the online magazine Atlas Obscura relates that story, and discusses the history of U.S. Navy and Soviet interest in … Read More