Fluorescence of certain biomass types like miscanthus, poplar, and wheat straw can help predict how well they can be turned into useful fuels and materials. By studying the glow of these materials, scientists found a direct link between their brightness and how easily they can be broken down. The more a certain type of chemical linkage in the biomass changes, the lower its glow becomes after special treatment. This change shows that it's not just about how much of a substance called lignin is present but also the specific way it's structured that affects how well we can use the biomass. By looking at the glow of the biomass, we can better understand and predict how to convert it efficiently.