An eel’s glow could illuminate liver disease
Fluorescent protein binds to bilirubin, a compound the body must eliminate
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/re_GlassEel.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
Japanese freshwater eels (one shown) travel for miles during migration from the sea to rivers. A protein made by the eels glows when connected to bilirubin, an antioxidant. Together the two compounds may protect the eels' muscles from stress.
Akiko Kumagai and Atsushi Miyawaki