Radiolab
The Darkest Dark
Jan 17, 2025
Sönke Johnsen, a biologist at Duke University, specializes in ultra-black animals. He takes listeners on a journey into the science behind the darkest creatures on Earth, revealing how certain fish and butterflies achieve their deep black hues through unique structural adaptations. Johnsen discusses the fascinating interplay between darkness and bioluminescence, exploring survival strategies of deep-sea life. The conversation also touches on the implications of this research for engineering, merging biology with advancements in material science.
26:28
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Quick takeaways
- The profound darkness of the ocean fosters a unique ecosystem where bioluminescent creatures engage in complex survival strategies, utilizing light for hunting and communication.
- Sönke Johnsen's research highlights the role of microscopic structures in ultra-black creatures, revealing insights that bridge biology and engineering for innovative material applications.
Deep dives
The Experience of Darkness at Sea
Being at sea, far from artificial lights, presents an experience of profound darkness, which evokes a sense of both wonder and fear. This form of darkness is likened to an impenetrable wall that can create feelings of isolation and introspection. The biologist Sanka Johnson shares that the vast ocean, devoid of light, transforms the night into an overwhelming absence filled with an array of life below the surface that relies on bioluminescence. The darkness, rather than being merely an emptiness, contains an intricate world where light plays a critical role in the survival of its inhabitants.
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