Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the detection of bioluminescence resonance energy transfer. The present invention provides methods of generating a report element and its applications in high throughput detection of bio-agents and gene expression levels. The present invention also relates to a nucleic acid signal amplification process. The present invention provides a report element where a fluorescent dye is directly conjugated to redox enzyme for use in bioluminescence resonant energy transfer (BRET) assays. The present invention also provides a pair of highly homogeneous luciferases for a dual BRET report system allowing the comparison of gene expression levels. With this report element, charge coupled device (CCD) and CMOS based optical detection mechanisms may be used for highly sensitive, high throughput and low cost portable luminescence biosensors.