Image Courtesy: CGTN via AP
Researchers in China have engineered plants capable of emitting visible light, marking a development that could reshape how cities approach lighting and sustainable design. The plants, created through gene editing, produce a natural glow without requiring electricity, relying instead on biological processes adapted from other organisms.
The breakthrough was presented publicly at a major technology forum, where scientists demonstrated multiple glowing plant species and outlined potential applications in urban environments and tourism. The work is being led by Li Renhan, founder of Magicpen Bio, and reflects broader advances in genetic engineering techniques, according to Euronews.
The plants are developed by transferring bioluminescent genes from fireflies and certain fungi into plant cells. This enables them to emit a steady, soft glow in dark conditions. Researchers have already applied the technique to more than 20 plant species, including orchids, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums, demonstrating that the process can be adapted across a range of plant types.
Li said the idea originated from childhood experiences observing fireflies in rural China, which later informed his research into gene editing. By replicating the natural light producing mechanisms found in insects and fungi, scientists aimed to create plants that could serve both decorative and practical purposes.
One of the primary proposed uses is in urban lighting. Bioluminescent plants could be used in parks, pathways, and public spaces, reducing reliance on traditional electric lighting systems. Unlike conventional infrastructure, these plants would require only water and nutrients to function, potentially lowering energy consumption and emissions associated with city lighting.
The technology could also support tourism and nighttime economies by creating visually distinctive environments. Researchers describe scenarios where entire landscapes could be illuminated by living plants, offering an alternative to artificial lighting installations. Public demonstrations have already shown flowers emitting visible light without external power sources.
Beyond lighting, the underlying gene editing techniques have broader implications. Similar approaches are being used in agriculture to develop crops with improved resistance to pests and environmental stress. In biomedical research, gene editing is helping scientists better understand disease progression at the cellular level, supporting drug development.
Despite the progress, the technology remains in an experimental stage. Challenges such as brightness levels, durability, and scalability will need to be addressed before widespread adoption becomes feasible. Regulatory considerations around genetically modified organisms may also influence how and where these plants can be deployed.
The development highlights the expanding role of biotechnology in addressing practical challenges, from energy efficiency to urban design. If successfully scaled, bioluminescent plants could offer a new model for sustainable lighting that integrates natural processes into built environments.