In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Andrej Lupták and Dr. Jennifer Prescher, both professors at UC Irvine, delve into the fascinating world of bioluminescent RNA lanterns. They explain how their groundbreaking technology uses firefly enzymes to visualize RNA dynamics in real-time, potentially illuminating processes like viral replication and memory formation. The duo shares their decade-long journey filled with challenges and teamwork in developing this innovative tool, which promises to advance research in viral studies and neurobiology.