The materials derive their luminescence from single-celled algae known as dinoflagellates ... and materials scientists in Cai's lab, marine biologist Michael Latz at UC San Diego's Scripps ...

The microscopic algae, known as dinoflagellates, were engulfed by cells cultured from the stony coral, Acropora tenuis, the scientists reported in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science.

Marine alveolates (MALVs) are diverse and widespread early-branching dinoflagellates, but most knowledge of the group comes from a few cultured species that are generally not abundant in natural ...