Chinese Biotech Firm Develops Gene-Edited Glowing Plants for Urban Lighting
A Chinese biotechnology company has successfully engineered over twenty species of plants to emit a natural glow in the dark without the need for electricity. This innovation involves splicing light-producing genes from fireflies and luminous fungi into plant cells, allowing them to glow continuously. The development was showcased at the Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing, highlighting its potential applications in cultural tourism and urban lighting. The project, led by Dr. Li Renhan of Magicpen Bio, aims to create large-scale installations of glowing plants in natural settings to attract visitors. The technology also promises energy savings and reduced emissions by eliminating the need for electrical infrastructure in public green spaces.