Watch Brian Barron's report

Two Californian scientists have launched a company to clone genes from luminous sea creatures that could lead to advances in the war against cancer.

To raise money for their research, the Pittsburgh-based scientists have turned some of the luminous genes into novelty products.

Luminous catch

The Prolume company is one of a number of competing companies in the race to develop luminous bio-technology. Off the Florida coast, the researchers trawl for a catch with a difference - exotic luminous sea creatures.

"Eighty per cent of animals that live below hundred meters in the ocean make their own light. So we harvest these creatures from under the ocean and then we extract the genes by cloning," says Dr Gene Finley, President of the Prolume.

Making tumours glow

Prolume and its rivals have created genetic libraries for 25 sea creatures.

Then the genes are spliced into protein-making bacteria which multiply by the billions.

Glowing champagne is a by-product

The researchers aim to develop substances that could help identify cancerous growths in humans and make tumours glow.

"If we're successful, a surgeon will be able to inject a patient with, in effect, a dye that will be based on bioluminescents. And then, as he operates on the patient, be able to see the tumour as a visible glowing item," says Dr Byron Ballou, the Vice president of Prolume in charge of research and development.

He says this could be a life saving technology.

"It could also make surgery a lot quicker and easier. That's what we're hoping for," he says.

Squirt gun fundraising

It could take from five to ten years to perfect such products for everyday medical use.

Glow-in-the-dark toys are hoped to bring in money

Meanwhile, the Prolume team are trying to raise funds by developing novelty products using the luminous marine proteins - toys like glow-in-the-dark squirt guns.

There is also a line in glowing drinks.

"How would you like to open a bottle of champagne - and have it glow?" Dr Byron asks.

"We've even demonstrated this stuff to the CIA because they're interested in document validation. They want to have secret messages that they can send to their spies," Dr Finley says.