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Join us Thursday, November 4, at 7 pm PT for a free NightSchool livestream!

Ever wondered what makes certain plants and animals glow in the dark? Join a panel of bioluminescence experts for a deep dive into the inner workings of nature’s glow, including what it can teach us about our relationship with beneficial bacteria, the surprising evolutionary clues it unlocks, and how it has inspired artists and scientists alike.

  • Although many marine organisms are bioluminescent, not all produce light the same way: some species make their own light, whereas more than 500 species of fish and squid rely on a special symbiotic relationship with luminous bacteria to fuel their glow. Join the Academy’s very own Dr. Alison Gould as she shares all about bioluminescent symbioses and what they can teach us about our own relationship with beneficial bacteria.
  • Unlock a new lens through which to view nature aglow with artist Iyvone Khoo, an artist specializing in bioluminescence-related projects. Khoo will give an artist’s perspective on the natural phenomenon, and share the process and challenges of observing bioluminescent plankton to create their art installation Infinity Cube.
     
  • Although bioluminescence seems like a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon, bioluminescent systems independently evolved over 90 times! Join UCSB doctoral candidate Emily Lau as she explains the diversity of bioluminescent systems and what they can teach us about convergent evolution, plus details on the biochemical basis of bioluminescence systems and how luminous organisms might acquire molecules to produce light.

All NightSchool virtual programming is intended for audiences 21+.

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Upcoming events

March 21st at 6:00 pm

Sashay into a night of greatness and glam as we celebrate the undeniable impact and artistry of drag.

March 28th at 6:00 pm

Power to imagery & words! Design your own silkscreen poster with Letterform Archive & Haight Street Art Center.

April 4th at 6:00 pm

We're serving more than looks in a night all about weaving connections through fashion.

April 11th at 6:00 pm

Make room for ‘shrooms because fungi are taking over! Enter the mystical world of mycology at this annual fave.

April 25th at 6:00 pm

Attention Earthlings: our planet's calling & it's time to answer. Join us for a night of community & activism.

May 2nd at 6:00 pm

Feel the beat of connection through the power of musical instruments.