But using genetic engineering Dr Van der Meer and his colleagues have coupled the light-generating reactions in bacteria to metabolic processes associated with handling pollution.

Europe's main nuclear-research institute, which sits on the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva, poached Mr Van der Meer from Philips, a Dutch engineering giant, in 1956.

Lawrence H. Van Vlack, "Elements of Materials Science and Engineering", Fifth Edition, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.