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Why Do Animals Glow? The Science of Bioluminescence

From deep-sea predators to insects on the forest floor, living organisms across the planet have evolved the ability to glow. This phenomenon, known as bioluminescence, has appeared independently dozens of times in nature. But why? In this episode, we break down how bioluminescence works at the molecular level.
Season 12 Episode 21 Length 07:26 Premiere: 03/26/26

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Season 12 Episodes

Why Do Animals Glow? The Science of Bioluminescence
S12 E21 Length 07:26 Premiere Date 03/26/26

Here’s Why Humans Can’t Lay Eggs
S12 E20 Length 09:51 Premiere Date 03/04/26

I Simulated Insect Vision and It Got WEIRD
S12 E19 Length 10:17 Premiere Date 02/17/26

This Stick Insect Has a Peppermint-Scented Secret Weapon
S12 E16 Length 04:46 Premiere Date 12/09/25

Hide! 4 Tiny Animals That Go Undercover In Style
S12 E15 Length 15:28 Premiere Date 01/22/26

Build, Borrow, or Steal: 4 of Nature’s Weirdest Homeowners
S12 E14 Length 16:18 Premiere Date 01/06/26

These 5 Creatures Make a Living Off of Death: A Halloween Compilation
S12 E13 Length 18:20 Premiere Date 10/23/25

Save The Grapes! Enter The Mealybug Destroyer!
S12 E12 Length 03:57 Premiere Date 11/14/25

Pick Your Player: Dragonfly vs Damselfly
S12 E11 Length 04:30 Premiere Date 10/07/25

Tiger Beetles Bite First, Ask Questions Never
S12 E10 Length 03:28 Premiere Date 09/12/25

These Lovebugs Have Attachment Issues
S12 E9 Length 03:50 Premiere Date 08/20/25

Beach Day? These 5 Surprising Creatures are Hanging Out Too
S12 E8 Length 20:06 Premiere Date 07/28/25

The 4 Most Ruthless Ants We’ve Ever Filmed
S12 E7 Length 17:48 Premiere Date 07/09/25

Clothes Moths Got Your Sweater? There's a Wasp for That
S12 E6 Length 04:42 Premiere Date 06/12/25

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in Your Ear
S12 E5 Length 04:36 Premiere Date 05/30/25

Spider Love Is a Battlefield
S12 E4 Length 04:12 Premiere Date 05/12/25

This Jumping Spider Trains Itself to Kill
S12 E3 Length 04:47 Premiere Date 04/18/25

This Weevil Was Born in Your Rice and It’s Hungry
S12 E2 Length 03:28 Premiere Date 03/06/25

Want a Cozy, Free Home? Ask This Caterpillar How
S12 E1 Length 04:54 Premiere Date 01/09/25

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