Bioluminescent imaging is a technique used to visualize living organisms by detecting light produced by bioluminescent proteins. This method is often employed in biological research to study cellular processes, track the spread of diseases, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. The light emitted can be captured using specialized cameras, allowing scientists to monitor biological activities in real-time. The most common bioluminescent protein used in imaging is luciferase, which reacts with a substrate called luciferin to produce light. This technique is particularly valuable in molecular biology and cancer research, as it provides a non-invasive way to observe living cells and tissues without harming them.