READ: Scientists Observe Faint Light Emitted by Living Organisms That Disappears After Death
Researchers in Canada have confirmed something extraordinary: living organisms emit a faint, natural glow known as biophoton emission—and that glow significantly dims or vanishes upon death.
A new study by scientists at the University of Calgary and the National Research Council of Canada, published in Physical Chemistry Letters, demonstrates that the bodies of mice and even common plants like watercress emit ultra-weak photon emissions (UPE) during life. Using highly sensitive photon detectors, the researchers were able to document these emissions and track how they decline after death.
Biophotons are particles of light produced by biological systems. They fall in the ultraviolet to near-infrared spectrum (200–1000 nanometers) and are far too dim for human eyes to perceive. Yet their presence has been scientifically recorded in a range of life forms—from bacterial colonies to cow heart tissue.
These faint light signals are not just random flickers. They are tightly connected to oxidative processes in the body, especially those involving reactive oxygen species (ROS)—highly reactive molecules that emerge during cellular stress, metabolic activity, or exposure to toxins. When ROS interact with cellular components like lipids and proteins, they can cause electrons to shift energy states, releasing photons in the process.
This glow isn't just a feature of adult organisms. It appears to accompany the very spark of life itself.
Previous research from Northwestern University in 2016 revealed that human conception is marked by a literal flash of light. When a sperm fertilizes an egg, a surge of calcium causes the egg to release zinc atoms, which in turn emit visible light. The scientists were able to capture this zinc-induced spark on film, noting that brighter flashes were associated with healthier eggs. This luminous event, occurring at the moment life begins, mirrors the biophoton emission seen throughout the lifespan—and, as this new Canadian study shows, it diminishes upon death.
In the study, scientists placed four live mice inside a specially constructed, pitch-black chamber equipped with electron-multiplying cameras. The mice were photographed over the course of an hour, both before and after euthanasia. Careful controls were used to maintain consistent body temperature.
The data showed a significant drop in photon emission following death, providing strong physical evidence that the biophoton glow is tied directly to life itself.
Similar tests were performed on leaves from the watercress plant and umbrella tree (Heptapleurum arboricola). Notably, damaged areas of the leaves emitted more light than undamaged areas, linking higher stress levels with greater ROS activity—and thus more photon emission.
Beyond its profound implications, this research could lead to practical applications. Since photon emission is tied to cellular stress and biochemical activity, it might one day serve as a tool for non-invasive health monitoring. A person’s biophoton signature could potentially reveal early signs of illness, inflammation, or even organ function—all without a single needle.
The research team emphasized that these photon emissions are not mystical, but measurable and reproducible using modern scientific tools. According to senior author Dan Oblak, their findings confirm the biological reality of ultra-weak photon emission in both animals and plants.
From the light spark at conception to the dimming glow of death, living beings emit a quiet, continuous signal—a biological luminescence that reflects the inner state of their cells. Though invisible to our eyes, this light is now being captured and studied, offering new ways to understand health, vitality, and perhaps even the very nature of life (or the soul) itself.
