Ideas change everything

The weird, wonderful world of bioluminescence

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Edith Widder |

TED2011

• March 2011

In the deep, dark ocean, many sea creatures make their own light for hunting, mating and self-defense. Bioluminescence expert Edith Widder was one of the first to film this glimmering world. At TED2011, she brings some of her glowing friends onstage, and shows more astonishing footage of glowing undersea life.

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Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

In the deep, dark ocean, many sea creatures make their own light for hunting, mating and self-defense. Bioluminescence expert Edith Widder was one of the first to film this glimmering world. At TED2011, she brings some of her glowing friends onstage, and shows more astonishing footage of glowing undersea life.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

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About the speaker

Marine biologist

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Edith Widder combines her expertise in research and technological innovation with a commitment to stopping and reversing the degradation of our marine environment.

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Gallery: How to speak jellyfish

Ocean explorer Edith Widder shares the astoundingly sophisticated language of bioluminescent creatures, which can light up the depths of the seas like a "snow storm."

null - Gallery: How to speak jellyfish

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.