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Edith Widder
47quotes
Edith Widder: A Pioneer in Bioluminescence Research
Full Name and Common Aliases
Edith S. Widder is a renowned American marine biologist, scientist, and entrepreneur.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 31, 1951.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Marine Biologist, Scientist, Entrepreneur.
Early Life and Background
Edith Widder grew up in New York City with a passion for the ocean and its creatures. As a child, she spent hours watching documentaries about marine life and was fascinated by the mysteries of the deep sea. This early interest led her to pursue a career in marine biology, earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
Major Accomplishments
Widder is best known for her groundbreaking research on bioluminescence, the ability of living organisms to produce their own light. Her work has taken her to the depths of the ocean, where she has discovered new species of glowing fish, squid, and other marine animals. In 1996, Widder founded the Bioluminescence Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to studying bioluminescent creatures and their habitats.
Notable Works or Actions
Widder's research has led to several notable discoveries, including:
The discovery of new species of glowing fish in the Caribbean Sea.
The development of an underwater submersible vehicle, called DeepFlight Super Falcon 3S, designed for exploring the deep sea and studying bioluminescence.
* Her work on bioluminescent squid, which has led to a greater understanding of their communication methods.
Impact and Legacy
Edith Widder's research has had a significant impact on our understanding of the ocean and its inhabitants. Her work has inspired new generations of marine biologists and scientists, and her discoveries have contributed to the development of more effective conservation strategies. As a pioneer in the field of bioluminescence research, Widder continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Edith Widder is widely quoted and remembered for her groundbreaking research on bioluminescence, as well as her innovative approach to scientific exploration. Her commitment to advancing our understanding of the ocean and its creatures has made her a leading figure in the field of marine biology.
Quotes by Edith Widder

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Now we have new tools for exploring the deep and have to pull together a deep exploration program that takes advantage of them.

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The giant squid has the biggest eyes of any animal on the planet. It's a visual predator.

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Squid experts have been debating for some time about whether the giant squid is a passive predator that just floats around in the water and waits to bump into something. I was never one to imagine it to be passive.

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I developed my camera system, called the Medusa, jointly with a colleague down in Australia as a method of exploring the ocean unobtrusively. The critical thing was that we didn't use white light, which I believe has been scaring the animals away.

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That's a real problem when people bring exotics into their homes. Sometimes it's by accident, but sometimes it's on purpose.

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There's a lionfish cookbook put out by the Reef Environmental Educational Foundation, and it tells you how to catch them, how to clean them.

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This is part of what's driving me, is this feeling like there's so much yet to be discovered in the oceans, and we're destroying it before we even know what's in it.

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It is clear that if we are going to understand ocean ecosystems, we need to understand the part that bioluminescence plays in those ecosystems.

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If we are to be good stewards of the ocean, we need to understand what lives there and how the animals interact with each other and with their environment, which means we need to be constantly seeking new and improved methods for exploration and observation.

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When caught in the clutches of a predator, the jelly produces a light display that is a pinwheel of light that is basically a call for help. It serves to attract the attention of a larger predator that may attack their attacker, thereby affording them an opportunity for escape.
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