In Avatar, James Cameron’s 2009 science-fiction epic, the resource-rich world of Pandora is covered in tropical rainforests, all glowing with luscious phosphorescence like some kind of underwater paradise. According to a Wired article published at the time of the movie’s release, Cameron hired a plant sciences specialist from the University of California, Riverside. The specialist spent weeks writing detailed scientific explanations for the dozens of flora on Pandora, explaining exactly how their alien bioluminescence works. After all, no such thing exists on our planet. Right? Hold that thought. Because a team of international researchers this month announced that they have created plants that produce a visible, glowing green luminescence. The results could potentially be used for everything from better studying the inner workings of plants to producing aesthetically interesting flower displays for rave-inspired weddings. It’s probably too early to write to your city … [Read more...] about Avatar IRL? Scientists have cracked the code to bioengineering plants that glow