It’s a Night Light. It’s a Plant. It’s a Glowing Succulent.

Researchers have developed a glowing succulent plant that can emit light for a few hours. This is a proof-of-concept for bioluminescent plants that could potentially be used as natural night lights. The researchers used a combination of genetic engineering and synthetic biology to introduce bioluminescent genes from fireflies into the common houseplant Lithops, also known as the "living stone" succulent. The modified plants were able to produce a dim, green glow for up to 3.5 hours after being charged with light. While the light output is currently limited, the study demonstrates the potential for creating self-illuminating plants that could one day be used as sustainable, renewable, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional lighting sources. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for further research into developing more efficient and longer-lasting bioluminescent plants with potential applications in areas such as home decor, urban landscaping, and even as indicators of environmental conditions.