Converting Chemical Energy Into Lifesaving Light, Indiana's Big Dippers Now Can Be Seen Lighting Up Across North America

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- U-Haul today announced the release of 1,900 new 20-foot moving vans showcasing the most common firefly species in Indiana, and also the science of bioluminescence--the scientific process by which chemical energy is converted into lifesaving light. This newest SuperGraphic also honors the Purdue Department of Entomology, where some of the early research on the chemistry of firefly light was discovered. For more than 200 years, entomologists and scientists alike have been fascinated by living-light production. Who would have suspected that the magical, glowing fireflies gracing the night sky could be capable of saving human life, and are now being used in medical research laboratories around the world?

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110404/LA76861)

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090622/LA34860LOGO-b)

"Few individuals are not fascinated by the flashing-light displays of fireflies.  Scientists study these insects, poets write about them and children collect them in canning jars.  People love fireflies," exclaimed Tom Turpin, professor of entomology, Purdue University. "What could be better to promote an appreciation of science, and insects, and the state of Indiana than a giant firefly graphic rolling down the highways and byways of North America?"

At 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2011, U-Haul will unveil the Indiana SuperGraphic as its "Venture Across America" Campaign visits the front entrance of Pao Hall of Visual and Performing Arts at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, after the 21st annual Bug Bowl of Purdue's Spring Fest.  Guests will have the opportunity to hear from local dignitaries and scientists from the Purdue Department of Entomology, as well as enjoy cockroach racing, cricket-spitting contests and many other educational activities taking place during the Bug Bowl. The first 2,000 guests visiting the U-Haul exhibit also will receive a free U-Haul commemorative T-shirt and informational booklet.

"We're thrilled to partner with Purdue University to honor and commemorate the Purdue Department of Entomology, where a lot of the chemistry of firefly light was discovered," stated Curt Reigelsperger, president, U-Haul Company of Central Indiana. "Now, people all over North America will have the privilege of seeing and learning more about how this creature can convert chemical energy into light, and what advancements have been made by researching the science behind the magical glow. Indiana's big dipper firefly now will be seen by many across North America, lighting up the sides of 1,900 U-Haul moving vans."  

U-Haul has been decorating its moving trucks with vibrant images featuring distinctive features of U.S. states and Canadian provinces since 1988, with the launch of the "America's Moving Adventure" and "Canada's Moving Adventure" U-Haul SuperGraphics Campaigns. The newest SuperGraphics are part of the "Venture Across America" Campaign that highlights little-known facts about North America. Nearly 200 different images have been created since the SuperGraphics Program began. They can be viewed online at uhaul.com/supergraphics.

Media Contacts:

U-Haul Public Relations
Joanne Fried
Ashleigh Wagner
E-mail:  [email protected]
Phone:  602-263-6194
Website:  uhaul.com/supergraphics
Facebook:  facebook.com/supergraphics

SOURCE U-Haul