ZLI Endowments for the PhotoSciences

Bio-photo-physics explores the organic interactions of quantified electro-magnetic fields and living organisms.

Bio-photo-chemistry explores the organic relationships of photon absorption and its effects on chemical pathways in a body.

Bio-luminescence refers here to biologically generated chemo-luminescence that interlinks one individual organism to another.

Major references abound, though much of the central literature convalesces about the work of Fritz-Albert Popp. ('Research Gate'). 

Another key historical reference is Robert Adair (Research Gate), who along with other researchers  explored the effects of electro-magnetic fields (light) on living organisms.

Biophysics labs each emphasize different aspects of research, though all are relevant. Some stress ultra-weak photon imaging as an investigative tool, while others look to the direct organic relationships of such emissions. 

The Zoological Lighting Institute seeks to fund targeted biophysics endowments at existing biophysics labs, leading veterinary schools and with programs in partnership with accredited zoos and aquariums.

• Department of Animal and Food Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

https://www.uab.cat

• Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge University

https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk

• Royal Veterinary College, University of London

https://www.rvc.ac.uk

• Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu

• Biophysics Graduate Program, Harvard University 

https://biophysics.fas.harvard.edu

• Kobayashi Laboratory,
  Tohoku Institute of Technology https://labs.eis.tohtech.ac.jp/kobayashi/indexE.html

Many references abound, though perhaps the best summation is by Sönke Johnson. https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691139913/the-optics-of-life

In addition to offering a close examination of the physical mechanisms of visual ecology, Bio-photo-chemistry is vital to understanding endocrine, nutritive, and reproductive processes.

The Zoological Lighting Institute seeks to fund endowments to support bio-photon-chemistry research at the following institutions:

• Jöhnsen Lab, Duke University

https://opticsoflife.org

• The Rockefeller University, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, and Structural Biology

https://www.rockefeller.edu/

• Department of Animal and Food Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

https://www.uab.cat

• Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge University

https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk

• Royal Veterinary College, University of London

https://www.rvc.ac.uk

• Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu

We distinguish here between bio-luminescence and mitochondrial photon emissions, on the basis of targeting dedicated processes relating one individual organism with another.

Perhaps the most concise summation of bioluminescence is Bioluminescence of the Sea, by Steven H.D. Haddock, Mark A. Moline, and James F. Case.The subject is nevertheless a familiar one, common to many authors.

Although bioluminescence as such is not emitted by charismatic megafauna such as birds, mammals, amphibians or reptiles, the cold light emitted by other organisms is a critical component of their environment.

The Zoological Lighting Institute seeks to fund endowments to support bio-luminescence research at the following institutions:

• Biological Sciences Department and Center for Coastal Marine Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

http://www.marine.calpoly.edu

• Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara

 https://msi.ucsb.edu

• Entomology  and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville

 https://msi.ucsb.edu

Visual systems process dynamic luminous information, critical to Pcpt.-Cs. functioning.

Animal coloration is a critical aspect of nutritive and reproductive processes.

Sensorial functioning is complex, with different senses informing each other.

Major references abound, though much of the central literature convalesces about the contemporary works of Dan-e Nilsson and Michael Land. 

Visual ecology might be said to encompass all three of the ZLI Framework Sensory Ecology topics, in addition to crossing over into photo-physiology. Nevertheless, we focus on the specific mechanisms involved in optical functioning under this category, 

as  important interfaces,  

The Zoological Lighting Institute seeks to fund targeted visual ecology endowments at existing sensory ecology labs, leading veterinary schools and with associated programs in partnership with accredited zoos and aquariums. We have particular interest in the following institutions:

• Lund Vision Group, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology https://portal.research.lu.se/en/organisations/lund-vision-group 
• Department of Animal and Food Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

https://www.uab.cat

• Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge University

https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk

• Royal Veterinary College, University of London

https://www.rvc.ac.uk

• Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu

• Biophysics Graduate Program, Harvard University 

https://biophysics.fas.harvard.edu

Animal coloration is a central but complex biological subject, which includes the surface pigmentation and structural modifications of light. Many references abound, espousing many theories and views, but the most concise  are perhaps works by Martin Stevens.

General sentiments on animal coloration are still informed by the C19 work of Frank Evers Beddard. His work relates 'colors' to direct environmental factors, predation avoidance (camouflage), warning signals, mimicry, as well as sexual opportunism.  

For ZLI, the most salient issues of animal colouration fall under the first category, and to  different expressions of animal coloration under differing luminous environment conditions.

The Zoological Lighting Institute seeks to fund endowments to support bio-photon-chemistry at existing labs, leading veterinary schools and with associated programs in partnership with accredited zoos and aquariums:

• Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter https://www.sensoryecology.com 
• Lund Vision Group, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology https://portal.research.lu.se/en/organisations/lund-vision-group 
• Jönsen Lab, Duke University

https://opticsoflife.org

• The Rockefeller University, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, and Structural Biology

https://www.rockefeller.edu/

• Department of Animal and Food Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

https://www.uab.cat

• Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge University

https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk

Cross Sensory Modalities  involves interactions between two or more different sensory modalities, such as hearing, sight, magneto-reception, taste, and smell. Differing inputs in one sense, affect the operation of others.

Freud's book 'On Aphasia' is an early example of this field of study. However, it has become a popular topic in  non-human animal sciences. particularly relevant to ZLI by relating the cascade of one environmental effect (light pollution) upon others.  .

A wealth of studies on sonar and magneto-reception abound, but the clearest reference from a human-animal context perhaps specifically focused on cross sensory modalities is  to be found in the work of Pr. Charles Spence at Oxford University: https://www.psy.ox.ac.uk/research/crossmodal-research-laboratory?48f9d5fc-09fc-11ed-a805-06a095efac36

The Zoological Lighting Institute seeks to fund endowments to support cross modal research at existing labs, leading veterinary schools and with associated programs in partnership with accredited zoos and aquariums:

• Jönsen Lab, Duke University

https://opticsoflife.org

• The Rockefeller University, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, and Structural Biology

https://www.rockefeller.edu/

• Entomology  and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville

 https://msi.ucsb.edu

• Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge University

https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk

• Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara

 https://msi.ucsb.edu

Photo-epidemiology explores the uses and roles of light in terms of disease susceptibility, prevalence, and therapeutic treatments. 

Natural light cycles are crucial throughout the nutritive process, also impacting the availability of prey, as well as  predation pressures.

Natural light cycling conditions how time is managed and constructed by living organisms. Seasonality, aging, migration, locomotion.

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Dedicated ZLI Labs and Professorships give focus to scattered topics. Funding Endowments at existing universities and institutions consolidates resources.

Independent Post Doctorates give emerging talent the chance to shine, facilitating independent critical thinking across an international peer review setting.

GIAR put funding where it is needed most, in the hands of people working directly with animals or completing important research projects that just need a little financial help.

ZLI Endowment Sponsorships offer a significant way to create a meaningful and lasting impact on the world.

Sponsorships can be targeted to a particular ZLI Campaign, ZALA Animal Welfare Domain, or ZLI Framework Topic.

Post Doctorates launch careers. Though a typical time of service is three years, the effects of sponsorship last well into the future.

Post Doc Sponsorship can be targeted to a particular ZLI Campaign, ZALA Animal Welfare Domain, or ZLI Framework Topic.

Grants in Aid of Research focus on specific challenges. Completion not only solves a problem at hand, but aids researcher growth.

GIAR Sponsorship can be targeted to a particular ZLI Campaign, ZALA Animal Welfare Domain, or ZLI Framework Topic.