Let it glow: Light waves and micro-organisms create bioluminescent lamp

The Ambio, created by Design Academy Eindhoven graduate Teresa van Dongen, consists of a glass tube containing what Dongen describes as an ‘artificial sea water medium’. This liquid contains bioluminescent bacteria harvested from an octopus, which has a symbiotic relationship with micro-organisms.

Bioluminescence occurs on exposure to oxygen, which is why it is most visible when water is churned or disturbed. The Ambio creates movement using two weights, which keep the lamp in motion after a soft nudge from the user.

For more, read our Growable Futures microtrend, in which we explore how bio-innovators are bringing synthetic biology into retail and entertainment.