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Scientists Find Firefly 'Switch'

Posted by Hemos on from the wax-on-wax-off dept.

Johan Jonasson writes "Scientists have found the "switch" that allows a firefly to light up its body. The beetle flashes the "lantern" on its abdomen to attract a mate. Researchers have long understood how the light is generated but the control mechanism used by the insect has been a mystery. Now, a US team has been able to show that the simple molecule nitric oxide acts as the on-off "button"."

1 of 97 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Nitric Oxide? by Tuxinatorium · · Score: 5

    The article is talking about nitric oxide, chemical formula NO. Nitrous oxide, AKA laughing gas, is N2O. It's a completely different chemical.

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