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Illuminating Work

Former WHOI associate scientist Paul Dunlap works in his biology laboratory in 1995 on an experiment with bioluminescent bacteria. Marine organisms ranging from bacteria to fish make their own chemically induced light called bioluminescence to hunt, frighten predators, attract mates, communicate, or camouflage themselves. Movement in the water excites marine life to glow. The phenomenon is also compelling to the U.S. Navy. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)