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Bioluminescent Christmas tree glows with festive cheer

When exposed to air, an eerie green light is emitted by these neatly arranged chunks of hybrid living material, created by impregnating balsa wood with fungus

11 December 2024

https://www.empa.ch/web/s604/mediateka?path=/2024-11-28-Leuchtholz-grosse-Bilder/ — Empa

This glow-in-the-dark Christmas tree is made from chunks of balsa wood impregnated with the bioluminescent ringless honey fungus (Desarmillaria tabescens). When the wood is exposed to air, an enzyme reaction produces the light-emitting compound luciferin. The effect lasts for about 10 days (Advanced Science, doi.org/nwgb). Such hybrid living material may lead to eco-friendly home lighting.

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