This year, scientists made a fascinating discovery: an eerie glow emitted by mice that vanished after death, evoking paranormal notions about the body’s aura. This finding has ignited significant interest in the scientific exploration of biophotons.
Biophotons are extremely faint particles of light created by cellular structures, particularly mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production. Researchers have been attempting to detect these weak signals, but the field has encountered skepticism. Separating biophotons from other light sources, such as infrared light, presents considerable challenges in demonstrating their authenticity.
<p>Due to experimental limitations, biophoton research has mainly concentrated on smaller, specific body parts. However, in May, <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=sUKbEwsAAAAJ&hl=en">Daniel Oblak</a> and his team at the University of Calgary, Canada, observed biophotons emitted from the entire bodies of four hairless mice. Interestingly, these biophotons dissipated shortly after the mice died.</p>
<p>The researchers also recorded biophotons emitted from the leaves of umbrella trees (<em>Heptapleurum arboricola</em>), reinforcing the evidence for their existence through comprehensive study.</p>
<p>Following the <em>New Scientist</em> report on the study, many media outlets contacted Oblak’s team for interviews. The phenomenon's similarity to a "spiritual aura," which some psychics claim reflects an individual's physical and mental health, may have contributed to the public's fascination. Oblak mentioned, "Someone from Argentina urged us to investigate the glow of hands during healing." </p><section>
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<p>However, Oblak emphasizes that the science surrounding biophotons is legitimate. Numerous scientists have approached his team to collaborate on further studies. One proposal involves investigating biophoton production mechanisms in plants. Experts in genetically modified seeds suggest analyzing changes in biophoton emissions by disabling specific genes.</p>
<p>Insights into how biophotons correlate with seed germination could significantly benefit agriculture, according to Oblak. “You could assess seed samples to determine if the germination process happened without direct contact with the seeds.”</p>
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For nearly a century, dark matter has posed a significant enigma. Although it outnumbers ordinary matter by a ratio of five to one, it remains invisible and undetectable by current technology.
A daring new analysis of 15 years of data from NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope now claims to shed light on this mystery.
The latest research reveals the detection of a peculiar halo-like glow of gamma rays surrounding the Milky Way galaxy, with distinct peaks in energy that align closely with the signals predicted for a specific type of hypothetical dark matter particle.
These particles, referred to as weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), can generate gamma rays by annihilating one another.
“If this is validated, it would be the first instance where humanity has ‘seen’ dark matter,” stated Professor Tomonori Toya, an astronomer at the University of Tokyo and co-author of the study.
In an interview with BBC Science Focus, he expressed his initial skepticism: “When I first noticed what looked like a traffic light, I was doubtful, but after careful investigation, I became convinced it was accurate—it was an exhilarating moment,” he shared.
However, despite the excitement surrounding the new signals, independent experts caution that this discovery is far from conclusive.
This possible breakthrough emerges nearly a century after Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky first proposed dark matter’s existence, after observing that the galaxies in the Milky Way cluster were moving too swiftly for their visible mass.
Mr. Toya’s study, published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, scrutinized 15 years of data from the Fermi telescope, focusing on the regions above and below the Milky Way’s main disk—known as the galactic halo.
After modeling and accounting for known sources of gamma rays, such as interstellar gas interactions, cosmic rays, and massive bubbles of high-energy plasma at the galaxy’s center, he identified a leftover component that shouldn’t exist.
“We detected gamma rays with a photon energy measuring 20 giga-electron volts (or an impressive 20 billion electron volts), extending in a halo-like formation toward the Milky Way’s center,” Toya explained. “This gamma-ray-emitting component aligns with the expected shape of a dark matter halo.”
A gigaelectronvolt (GeV) represents a unit of energy utilized by physicists to quantify subatomic particles’ energy levels—approximately a billion times the energy that a single electron attains when traversing a 1-volt battery.
The potential dark matter signal identified by Toya sharply rises from a few GeV, peaks around 20 GeV, and subsequently declines, consistent with predictions for WIMPs, which possess about 500 times the mass of a proton.
This gamma-ray intensity map illustrates a signal that may originate from dark matter encircling the Milky Way halo. The gray horizontal bar in the central area represents the galactic plane, which was exempted from the analysis to avoid strong astrophysical radiation. – Photo credit: Tomonori Toya, University of Tokyo
In Totani’s perspective, this data significantly indicates the existence of dark matter. “This marks a crucial advancement in astronomy and physics,” he asserts.
Nevertheless, Jan Conrad, a professor of astroparticle physics at Stockholm University in Sweden and an independent expert in gamma-ray searches for dark matter, advises prudence.
“Making claims based on Fermi data is notoriously challenging,” he remarked to BBC Science Focus.
This isn’t the first instance of astronomers witnessing such phenomena; the story stretches back to 2009, shortly after the Fermi telescope’s launch. In that year, researchers identified an unexplained surplus of gamma rays emanating from the galactic center.
For years, this finding stood out as a compelling hint of dark matter. However, Conrad pointed out that even after 16 years, the scientific community has yet to arrive at a consensus about the signal’s dark matter roots.
“It’s believed to be related to dark matter,” he claims. “Despite accumulating data and enhanced methods since then, the question of dark matter’s existence remains unresolved.”
Even at this juncture, researchers who have spent over a decade working to disprove the galactic center excess are unable to definitively prove it is astrophysical in nature (originating from sources other than dark matter), nor can they confirm it is attributable to dark matter. The issue remains unsolved.
Conrad emphasized that the emerging signals from the halo are insufficiently studied and will likely necessitate many more years of investigation for verification. Both the new halo anomaly and the much-debated galactic center signal share a common challenge: noise interference.
In these regions, gamma rays potentially stemming from dark matter annihilation may also originate from numerous other, poorly understood sources—complicating efforts to reach definitive conclusions.
“The uncertainties surrounding astrophysical sources make it exceedingly difficult to assert strong claims,” Conrad stated.
Despite their differing confidence levels, both Totani and Conrad highlight the same forthcoming focus: dwarf galaxies.
These small, faint galaxies orbiting the Milky Way are believed to contain significant amounts of dark matter while exhibiting minimal astrophysical gamma-ray background, rendering them ideal for studying dark matter annihilation.
“If we detect a similar excess in dwarf galaxies, that would provide compelling evidence,” Conrad said. “Dwarf galaxies provide a much cleaner environment, allowing for potential confirmation.”
Dr. Toya concurred, noting, “If the results of this study are validated, it wouldn’t be surprising to observe gamma rays emitting from dwarf galaxies.”
The Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) is the most sensitive ground-based gamma-ray observatory ever constructed, offering a powerful new approach to scrutinize whether this enigmatic signal is indeed dark matter. – Photo credit: Getty
Yet, the ultimate verification of Toya’s discovery might be closer to home. Experiments designed to detect dark matter are currently taking place in facilities situated deep underground around the world.
“If we were to observe a signal there that aligns with a WIMP of the same mass…that would present a robust argument, as it would be much cleaner,” Conrad pointed out.
In the coming years, the next-generation Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) will significantly enhance sensitivity to high-energy gamma rays, enabling researchers to analyze halo signals with greater detail.
“Naturally, if this turns out to be true, it’s a significant discovery,” Conrad said. “The true nature of dark matter remains elusive. A clear signal indicating dark matter particles would be monumental. However, further research is essential to explore alternative explanations for this excess.”
Our brains are glowing. While this phenomenon isn’t visible to the naked eye, scientists have the ability to detect faint light that permeates the skull. Recent studies indicate that this light varies based on our activities.
All living tissues generate a subtle light known as Ultraweak Photon Emissions (UPE). This emission ceases once the organism dies. The human brain, however, emits a considerable amount of this light due to its high energy consumption, accounting for around 20% of the body’s total energy.
“Ultraweak photon emissions, or UPE, are extremely faint light signals produced by all types of cells throughout the body—trillions of times weaker than the light from bulbs,” stated Dr. Nirosha Murugan, an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. BBC Science Focus.
“Although UPE is a weak signal, the energy expenditure of the brain generates more light than other organs,” she explained. “Consider the hundreds of billions of brain cells; each one emits a weak light signal, but together they create a measurable collective glow outside the head.”
Murugan’s research team aimed to explore whether this glow fluctuated with brain activity and if it could be utilized to assess brain functions.
To investigate, scientists equipped participants with caps containing electrical sensors to track both electrical impulses and light emitted from the brain. Twenty adults were invited to sit in a darkened room.
Participants were directed to open and close their eyes and follow simple audio instructions.
Comparisons were made between the captured electrical signals and UPEs, revealing notable correlations.
“We discovered that the optical signals detected around the head correlate with electrical activity in the brain during cognitive tasks,” Murugan noted. “These patterns of light emission from the brain are dynamic, intricate, and informative.”
The brain emitted this light in a slow, rhythmic pattern, occurring less than once per second, creating the illusion of stability throughout the two-minute tasks.
All living cells emit ultrawave light as a byproduct of chemical reactions such as energy metabolism – Credit: Sean Gladwell via Getty
Murugan indicated that measuring this brain light could offer scientists and medical professionals a novel method for brain imaging, potentially identifying conditions like epilepsy, dementia, and depression.
This light is not merely a by-product; it might also play a functional role in the brain. Murugan emphasized that examining it could “uncover hidden dimensions” of our cognitive processes.
“I hope that the possibility of detecting and interpreting light signals from the brain will inspire new questions previously deemed unfathomable,” she stated. “For instance, can UPEs permeate the skull and influence other brains within the vicinity?”
This study serves as a preliminary exploration, suggesting that plenty remains to be uncovered about our illuminating brains.
Nonetheless, Murugan expressed hope that the team’s discoveries will “ignite a new discussion regarding the significance of light in brain functionality.”
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About our experts
Dr. Nirosha Murugan is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, Canada. She was recently appointed as Tier 2 Canada Research Chair of Biophysics at the University of Algoma in Ontario.
HDo you often look up at the sky instead of looking down at the black mirror you might be reading this column on? Will you read this page to the end? How many tabs did you have open today? How many of you interact with other humans on the train without looking at your phone? I’m not one to judge. I, like everyone else, am obsessed with the release of dopamine. But these days, as the world becomes increasingly disillusioned and divided, it seems more urgent than ever to look outward rather than inward and pay attention in the ways that are most valuable.
I remembered seeing this floor rot a tapestry by US-based artist Quaysha Wood at Salon 94 in New York. It shows a woman slumped, exhausted, or “rotting in bed,” as if her white eyes were illuminated by the screen. Surrounding her are dozens of tabs with slogans emblematic of the culture of 2024 (like “Summer of the Kid”), but somehow already outdated, lost in the speed of an internet-driven world. It feels like it’s closed. She seems exhausted. I get tired looking at her. And her fatigue is common.
In a new radio series, desire to be distracted Matthew Said explores the state of our attention span. The debate surrounding this issue has been around for thousands of years, with medieval monks furious about the technology of “books,” but it feels especially applicable in our digital age. Research shows that the average amount of time people spend watching something on screen is just 40 seconds or less, an 80% decrease since 2004.
Distraction comes in many forms, but the problem today, Saeed tells us, is uncontrolled exploitation by big tech companies. They use sophisticated algorithms to use more data than ever before and turn our ever-longer scrolls into cash. This promotes addiction and stunts brain growth, especially in children. Slowly, we seem to be losing our positivity, losing our creativity, losing our connection, and losing our humanity.
This is not to say that modern digital technology should be abolished. Great things come from that. It’s global connectivity. Community building, especially in subcultures. to cause movement. A platform to give people a voice and spread joy, beauty, and knowledge. But we need to be aware of the more sinister aspects built into its design to keep us fascinated. Wood’s Tapestry is an unsettling vision of what this world could become, or already is.
It’s worth recognizing that Bed Rot held my attention longer than a typical screen, affirming the power of art to make viewers stop, stare, and think. Just as conversations are more meaningful in person than on a screen, it’s very hard to look away when something physical is right in front of you.
I believe that art can help counteract the negative effects of smartphone scrolling. Now more than ever, we need art that offers a world-changing perspective to make us believe in humanity again. Land artist Nancy Holt’s work, for example, reminds us of the mysteries of the natural world and the atmosphere above.
Lying in Utah’s Great Basin Desert is Holt’s Sun Tunnel. It’s four giant concrete tubes, tall enough to walk on, facing each other in an X-shape. During the day, you can see the vast arid land and sky through the tunnel. If the sky is clear, the light shines mottled through the holes in the pipes placed in the constellations of Capricorn, Columba, Draco, and Perseus, making it seem as if you are walking on the stars. Twice a year, on the summer and winter solstice, the sun aligns perfectly with the tunnel, allowing light to shine through.
Holt, who passed away in 2014, uses the earth and space as tools to highlight the vast beauty of the natural world by providing a vessel for viewing it. Her work reaffirms the fact that land, sea, sky, and human connections are all there, competing for our attention, but not for capitalist profit.
Author Iris Murdoch said in an interview: We create a small personal world and remain trapped within it. Great art brings freedom and allows us to take pleasure in seeing things that are not ourselves. ”
Art reminds us to look up from the little world we create on the black mirror in our pockets. It helps us understand our place in the universe and look out into the expanse rather than at ourselves as filtered through technology. It’s time to regain our attention. And to give it to what is worthy and important to us.
“Ash light” or AL is a faint mysterious glow or hue seen in the night hemisphere of Venus. It is often compared to Earthshine, the reflected light that illuminates the far side of the Moon.
First described by Italian astronomer Giovanni Riccioli in 1643, AL has been observed many times since then, but its faint, ephemeral, and elusive nature has prevented serious research. It’s here.
Even more problematic, AL has so far only been detected by the human eye, and no scientific instruments, either earth-based or space-based, have recorded this phenomenon.
Some authorities have declared this phenomenon to be an illusion, perhaps an eye contrast effect or even an “expectation bias.” Some have suggested that a defect in the equipment could explain the phenomenon. Light scattering, optical aberrations, background sky brightness, weather, etc.
But there are enough reliable reports about AL that some scientists can offer an explanation. These include reflected light from Earth, auroras, “airglow” radiation, lightning, and infrared (thermal) radiation from Venus’ atmosphere.
Most of these explanations are ignored for some reason. However, there is ample evidence that not only ultraviolet light from the sun, but also high-energy solar wind particles can excite oxygen atoms in Venus’ atmosphere.
This creates a pale green glow similar to that seen in the aurora borealis on Earth. However, the process is somewhat different because auroras on Earth are caused by Earth’s magnetic field interacting with solar particles, whereas Venus has no appreciable magnetic field.
It remains to be seen whether this explanation can explain all or some of the AL observations. Therefore, the long-standing mystery of AL may still turn out to be an illusion.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Herman Townsend of Liverpool): “What is Ashen Light?”
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