The single-celled organisms usually shimmer for mere milliseconds, but researchers figured out how to sustain their illumination. The technology could one day be used to light robots’ ways in the deep sea or space

Scientists used acidic and basic solutions to trigger chemical reactions in algae. Giulia Brachi

Bioluminescence is one of nature’s coolest tricks. Organisms in many kingdoms of life—including animals, plants and fungi—can create their own light through chemical reactions in their cells. The trait isn’t uncommon: As many as 90 percent of deep-sea creatures might be able to glow.

Now, scientists have harnessed bioluminescent algae to make 3D-printed lights that you won’t find at your typical furniture store. Their work, published in the journal Science Advances on May 6, could help build more sustainable light-emitting technologies.

“This project was a moonshot idea,” says Wil Srubar , a study co-author and materials scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder, in a statement .…