Every living organism emits a faint glow, a phenomenon known as ultraweak photon emission (UPE) or bio photons. This isn't a mystical aura, but a real physical event, a byproduct of cellular metabolism, especially oxidation in mitochondria.
Researchers at the University of Calgary, Canada, have convincingly demonstrated the presence of UPE in all living organisms. Using highly sensitive EMCCD and CCD cameras, they captured the subtle light, which fades almost immediately after death.
The study, conducted in a dark room, compared images of living and deceased mice. The difference in light emission was so significant that it couldn't be attributed to mere cooling, as the mice's body temperature was maintained after death.
This light results from reactive oxygen species produced during cellular respiration. These molecules interact with lipids and proteins, emitting photons. The more reactive oxygen species present, due to stress or injury, the greater the emission.
UPE offers a unique way to monitor vitality and stress responses. In plants, it can distinguish between healthy and damaged parts and track reactions to stress in real-time. Injured leaves emit more light, and anesthetics further increase this emission.
The diagnostic potential of UPE is vast. In medicine, it could enable early detection of diseases linked to oxidative stress, such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and diabetes. Agriculture and food industries could use UPE to check crop health, fruit ripeness, and differentiate between organic and conventional products.
While many questions remain, UPE is considered a reliable indicator of metabolic state. With advancements in detection technologies, UPE may soon become a common diagnostic tool in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.