Mystic Aquarium

See a coral reef in a whole new illuminating way in the Fluorescent Corals exhibit. Use sliding color filters to see vibrant, glowing corals. Learn how fluorescence is produced and its presence in your everyday life, the dwindling populations of coral and the amazing ways in which fluorescence is being used in important research projects to find cures and treatments for Alzheimer's and cancer.

Scientists are attaching proteins identified in coral to cells in the body to view them in a non-invasive manner. Originally found in jellyfish in the 1960s, these proteins had been left untested for years. Many scientists believe that the use of these proteins is one of the most important biomedical discoveries they have seen in decades.

The man behind this exhibit is William "Bill" Kelley, Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration's first president. Kelley strongly believes that biomedical researchers can learn much from the field of marine science and that the oceans hold many clues to improving life on land.