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Hundreds of marine animals fluoresce-all thanks to natural molecules that reemit absorbed light at a different wavelength. Among the brightest of these molecules are the green fluorescent proteins (GFPs). Some species use light from GFPs to create a better environment for the symbiotic algae that live inside them. Others use fluorescence to alter the colors of the light they actively emit by bioluminescence (which may serve as a burglar alarm, drawing attention to nearby predators). Now, a new study finds that GFPs can also help some animals lure prey. [Source: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)]
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