Marine biologist, ocean explorer and professor David Gruber is providing a wealth of new insights into a secret "language" of shining colors and patterns that help many marine creatures communicate, interact and avoid enemies. He and his collaborators have illuminated and discovered novel fluorescent molecules from numerous marine animals and are working at the interface between glowing sea life and the ability to visualize the inner workings of human cells. 

His research group at City University of New York and the American Museum of Natural History has deciphered the genome of scores of new fluorescent proteins, which are being developed as tools to aid in medical research and illuminate biological processes. On land, his team designs submersibles and other technologies to revolutionize ocean exploration and push the boundaries of our understanding of life in the deep sea.