Bioluminescence is everywhere on earth—most of all in the ocean, from angler fish in the depths to the flashing of dinoflagellates at the surface. Here, Thérèse Wilson and Woody Hastings explore the natural history, evolution, and biochemistry of the diverse array of organisms that emit light. While some bacteria, mushrooms, and invertebrates, as well as fish, are bioluminescent, other vertebrates and plants are not. The sporadic distribution and paucity of luminous forms calls for explanation, as does the fact that unrelated groups evolved completely different biochemical pathways to luminescence. The authors explore the hypothesis that many different luciferase systems arose in the early evolution of life because of their ability to remove oxygen, which was toxic to life when it first appeared on earth. As oxygen became abundant and bioluminescence was no longer adequate for oxygen removal, other antioxidant mechanisms evolved and most luminous species became extinct. Those light-emitting species that avoided extinction evolved uses with survival value for the light itself. Today’s luminous organisms use bioluminescence for defense from predators, for their own predatory purposes, or for communication in sexual courtship. Bioluminescence was earlier viewed as a fascinating feature of the living world, but one whose study seemed unlikely to contribute in any practical way. Today, bioluminescence is no longer an esoteric area of research. Applications are numerous, ranging from the rapid detection of microbial contamination in beef and water, to finding the location of cancer cells, to working out circuitry in the brain.

In this groundbreaking guide to maximizing the restorative and regenerative benefits of light, psychologist Karl Ryberg explains how to use different types of light—sun, fire, and even artificial lighting—in order to create ultimate health and a happy mind. Light. It’s all around us. Sometimes soothing and reviving, sometimes glaring and disturbing—light deeply affects us. But can we harness it for our own well-being? Like plants, human bodies need quality light in order to survive, regenerate, and thrive. In this fascinating guide to “eating light” psychologist Karl Ryberg shows you how to best use different types of light to feed your brain and body. Discover how your brain and body absorbs light photons in the form of sunshine, fire, and artificial light. With increased use of computers and screens, flickering LED products, and other “junk food” light sources, we have been paying the price with lowered vitality, focus, and flagging health. By intentionally consuming certain types of light with a proper “diet”, you can alleviate these issues. Ryberg shows us practical ways to maximize the benefits of light therapy for our own bodies, and how to choose light sources that don’t harm the environment. No matter your age, location, or fitness level, Living Light has timely advice on a range of topics, from remedying light starvation or overload to adopting routines to suit your individual needs. Written from a lifetime of research on light and biology, this book provides you with a vital understanding of your body clock, brain function, the importance of color, and much more, all in a clear and accessible manner.

For a woman of the 12th century, Hildegard of Bingen's achievements were so exceptional that posterity has found it hard to take her measure. Hildegard authority Barbara Newman brings together major scholars to present an accurate portrait of the Benedictine nun and her many contributions to 12th-century religious, cultural, and intellectual life. 18 illustrations.

The secrets of light — Your pathway to a state of presence Seeking a state of presence: The most important things in life are our health and happiness. Yet most of us are neither healthy nor happy. We have been led to believe that if we think ahead and make the right choices, we can manifest our dreams. Yet despite our best efforts, we still have more disease and discontent than ever before. Is it possible that our essential ideas about life are flawed? Can we learn how to get into the zone or a flow state? Is light the key to finding a state of presence? Living in the light: We are all aware of the impact of sunlight on a plant’s growth and development. But few of us realize that a plant actually “sees” where light is emanating from and positions itself to be in optimal alignment with it. This phenomenon, however, is not just occurring in the plant kingdom — humans are also fundamentally directed by light. The intersection of science and spirituality: In Luminous Life, Dr. Jacob Israel Liberman integrates scientific research, clinical practice, and direct experience to demonstrate how the luminous intelligence we call light effortlessly guides us toward health, contentment, and a life filled with purpose. If you have read Barbara Brennan’s Hands of Light or Light Emerging, you’re going to love Jacob Liberman’s Luminous Life.

Are you searching for deeper meaning and purpose in your life? Do you sense that you have an inner wisdom that can be a guiding force for you, yet wonder how to connect with that intuitive self? How do you know which inner voices to listen to? For over thirty years, Shakti Gawain has helped readers address these questions.Living in the Lighthas given literally millions of people clear and gentle guidance to create a new way of life — one in which we listen to our intuition and rely on it as a guiding force. The key lies in bringing the light of our awareness to every aspect of ourselves, including our disowned energies — ourshadow side. With great insight and clarity, Shakti shows us the transformative power of bringing awareness to every part of ourselves. Simple yet powerful exercises on subjects including creativity, relationships, parenting, health, money, and transforming the world help us put these teachings to practical use in our daily lives. Living in the Lightis a comprehensive map to growth, fulfillment, and consciousness. As we grapple with personal, national, and global challenges on many fronts, this classic work is timelier than ever.

In the first edition of Living in the Light, Shakti Gawain introduced to millions of readers a powerful new way of life - one where we listen to our intuition and rely on it as a guiding force. In this new revision of her classic bestseller, Shakti addresses the importance of acknowledging and embracing our disowned energies - our shadow side. This new and exciting material has given the phrase living in the light a deeper and richer meaning. It shows us how to have far more power and balance in our lives by focusing the light of our awareness on of the many aspects of who we are, including what we have feared and rejected. Both first-time readers and long-time fans will be inspired on their journey of self-discovery by this new edition of Living in the Light. Personal fulfillment, aliveness, and creativity await those who open themselves to the ideas of this remarkable book.

This book presents the Buddhist approach to facing the inevitable facts of growing older, getting sick, and dying. These tough realities are not given much attention by many people until midlife, when they become harder to avoid. Using a Buddhist text known as the Five Subjects for Frequent Recollection, Larry Rosenberg shows how intimacy with the realities of aging can actually be used as a means to liberation. When we become intimate with these inevitable aspects of life, he writes, we also become intimate with ourselves, with others, with the world—indeed with all things.

The astonishing story of a woman with an extraordinary psychic gift and a powerful message from the Other Side that can help us to live more beautifully in the here and now.

Through author Marian Jordan's modern anecdotes and the Bible's eternal truths, young women are encouraged to shine for the Lord in an ever darkening world