Human Ultraweak Photon Emission: Key Analytical Aspects, Results and Future Trends - A Review

Exploring ultraweak photon emissions as optical markers of brain activity

Brains are highly metabolic organs that emit ultraweak photon emissions (UPEs), which predict oxidative stress, aging, and neurodegeneration. UPEs are triggered by neurotransmitters and biophysical stimuli, but they are also generated by cells at rest and can be passively recorded using modern photodetectors in dark environments. UPEs play a role in cell-to-cell communication, and neural cells might even have waveguiding properties that support optical channels. However, it remains uncertain whether passive light emissions can be used to infer brain states as electric and magnetic fields do for encephalography. We present evidence that brain UPEs differ from background light in spectral and entropic properties, respond dynamically to tasks and stimulation, and correlate moderately with brain rhythms. We discuss these findings in the context of other neuroimaging methods, the potential of new measurement parameters, the limitations of light-based readouts, and the possibility of developing a platform to readout functional brain states: photoencephalography.

Examining Sound, Light, and Vibrations as Tools to Manage Microbes and Support Holobionts, Ecosystems, and Technologies

The vast array of interconnected microorganisms across Earth's ecosystems and within holobionts has been called the "Internet of Microbes." Bacteria and archaea are masters of energy and information collection, storage, transformation, and dissemination using both "wired" and wireless (at a distance) functions. Specific tools affecting microbial energy and information functions offer effective strategies for managing microbial populations within, between, and beyond holobionts. This narrative review focuses on microbial management using a subset of physical modifiers of microbes: sound and light (as well as related vibrations). These are examined as follows: (1) as tools for managing microbial populations, (2) as tools to support new technologies, (3) as tools for healing humans and other holobionts, and (4) as potential safety dangers for microbial populations and their holobionts. Given microbial sensitivity to sound, light, and vibrations, it is critical that we assign a higher priority to the effects of these physical factors on microbial populations and microbe-laden holobionts. We conclude that specific sound, light, and/or vibrational conditions are significant therapeutic tools that can help support useful microbial populations and help to address the ongoing challenges of holobiont disease. We also caution that inappropriate sound, light, and/or vibration exposure can represent significant hazards that require greater recognition.

Biological Auto(chemi)luminescence Imaging of Oxidative Processes in Human Skin

Oxidative processes in all types of organisms cause the chemical formation of electronically excited species, with subsequent ultraweak photon emission termed biological auto(chemi)luminescence (BAL). Imaging this luminescence phenomenon using ultrasensitive devices could potentially enable monitoring of oxidative stress in optically accessible areas of the human body, such as skin. Although oxidative stress induced by UV light has been explored, for chemically induced stress, there is no in vivo-quantified imaging of oxidative processes in human skin using BAL under the controlled extent of oxidative stress conditions. Furthermore, the mechanisms and dynamics of BAL from the skin have not been fully explored. Here, we demonstrate that different degrees of chemically induced oxidative stress on the skin can be spatially resolved quantitatively through noninvasive label-free BAL imaging. Additionally, to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms, a minimal chemical model of skin based on a mixture of lipid, melanin, and water was developed and used to show that it can be used to reproduce essential features of the response of real skin to oxidative stress. Our results contribute to novel, noninvasive photonic label-free methods for quantitative sensing of oxidative processes and oxidative stress.

Human ultra-weak photon emission as non-invasive spectroscopic tool for diagnosis of internal states - A review

In the knowledge that human ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) is mainly due to the metabolic oxidative stress processes that the skin cells undergo in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS), external stressors (like UV radiation), but also internal stressors (like diseases or brain activity) might strongly influence the UPE. This manuscript revises the scientific advances focused on the influence of internal factors on the human UPE. According to literature, the UPE seems to be influenced by some diseases (including diabetes, hemiparesis, protoporphyria, or a typical cold), and even by the cerebral intention/relaxation (brain activity/meditation). These allow to consider UPE as a natural and promising non-invasive spectroscopic tool for helping during the diagnosis of a variety of illnesses or stress- / mood-state disorders. Nonetheless, further research is required for answering some still unresolved controversial points.

The mechanism of photon-like dark noise in rod photoreceptors

Pugh highlights recent work ruling out a role for ultraweak photon emission in spontaneous photon-like events in retinal rods.