Luminescence sheds light on the adventure of science. Scientists and many others have explored the science and wonder of cold light--the chemistry of animals and things that make light but not heat. A 17th-century alchemist tried to turn a stone into gold. He failed, but the stone glowed in the dark instead. The alchemist began to mold the first luminescent objects.

A light also came on one night for the famous chemist Robert Boyle. After he saw a raw chicken glowing in his kitchen, he began his own research into luminescence.

These scientists and many others have explored the science and wonder of cold light--the chemistry of animals and things that make light but not heat. With light humor, Anita Sitarski brings the thrill of discovery to life as she recounts the stories of the alchemist, Boyle, the adventurers who first saw nightmarish creatures glowing in the depths of the sea, and others. Using easy-to-grasp applications of biochemistry, genetics, and electronics, today's scientists create amazing inventions and applications, from mice that glow to the burgeoning technology of LEDs. Awe-inspiring, full-color photographs accompany the compelling, fact-filled text in these scientific explorations.