Footage of an egg under a microscope shows a single sperm making contact with the egg's surface, triggering a flash of light. This phenomenon, known as the "zinc spark," was first discovered in 2011 and later published in 2016. The flash of light, which envelops the entire surface of the egg for an instant, is a notable occurrence at the moment of fertilization.

Secular news outlets reported on the discovery, with some headlines suggesting that the flash of light marks the beginning of new life. Further details about the zinc spark and its discovery are available from the source. The phenomenon has been studied and documented, providing insight into the process of fertilization.