Decoding Fireflies’ Smelly Signals And Blinking Butts

Fireflies' unique body chemistry has led to advances in medical imaging. And scientists are now learning how they communicate using smell.

Fireflies’ magical blinking lights are tiny beacons in the warm dark night. Who can resist catching one? Not scientists.

Because their light comes from bodily chemicals, fireflies’ power of illumination has long been used as a tool in medical research. And that has driven scientists to investigate the inner workings of the blinking beetle itself. Researchers have recently discovered that fireflies’ glowing lanterns are only one of the ways they communicate.

Host Ira Flatow talks with entomologist Sarah Lower and biochemist Stephen Miller about the latest advances in firefly science.

Guests: Dr. Sarah Lower is an associate professor of biology at Bucknell University where she studies fireflies.
Dr. Stephen Miller is a professor of biochemistry and molecular biotechnology at the UMass Chan Medical School.

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