B2 Reading Comprehension

During a recent visit to a science museum in Kyoto, I attended a lecture on bioluminescence, the ability of certain creatures to produce light. The topic fascinated me, as I’d never fully understood how animals like fireflies or deep-sea fish could glow. The lecture, which had been organized to promote environmental awareness, explained how this phenomenon works and why it matters.

The presenter, Dr. Sato, a marine biologist, described how bioluminescence is caused by a chemical reaction involving a substance called luciferin. She explained that creatures use this light to attract mates, scare predators, or communicate in the dark. I was surprised to learn that some deep-sea fish have been evolving this ability for millions of years. If scientists hadn’t studied bioluminescence, we wouldn’t have discovered its potential uses in medicine or technology. Dr. Sato shared that researchers are now exploring how these reactions could inspire energy-efficient lighting.

After the lecture, I explored an exhibit where visitors could interact with a model of a glowing jellyfish. The display showed how the jellyfish’s light pulses in patterns, which was more intricate than I’d realized. Dr. Sato also mentioned that pollution has been threatening bioluminescent species, particularly in coastal areas. She urged the audience to support conservation efforts, as many of these creatures are at risk. If we hadn’t been polluting the oceans, their populations might not have declined so drastically.

The museum offered a workshop where we created small glow-in-the-dark models using safe chemicals. It was challenging but rewarding, and I left with a small glowing star to keep as a souvenir. The experience deepened my appreciation for nature’s wonders and made me consider volunteering for a marine conservation project. I’ve since been reading more about bioluminescence, hoping to understand its scientific and environmental significance.