Biophotons are weak emissions of light radiated from the cells of all living things. A photon is a single particle of light. Plants, animals and humans generate up to 100 photons per second, per .15 square inches (1 sq. centimeter) of surface area. The light is too faint to be seen by the naked eye, but biophotons have been detected and verified using photomultiplier tubes.
According to a leading researcher of biophotons, German biophysicist Fritz-Albert Popp, light is constantly being absorbed and remitted by DNA molecules within each cell's nucleus. These biophotons create a dynamic, coherent web of light. A system that could be responsible for chemical reactions within the cells, cellular communication throughout the organism, and the overall regulation of the biological system, including embryonic development into a predetermined form.
The laser-like coherence of the biophoton field is a significant attribute, making it a prime candidate for exchanging information in a highly functional, efficient and cooperative fashion, lending credence to the idea that it may be the intelligence factor behind the biological processes. An aspect of, or cousin to consciousness, though this remains speculative.
Biophoton emissions will vary according to the functional state of the organism. If a disease such as cancer affects certain cells they will radiate a different photonic signature than healthy cells of the same type. In this way biophotons can be a noninvasive tool for assessing the state of health or vitality. Applications can extend far into other areas like testing food and water quality, checking for chemical or electromagnetic contamination, or agricultural testing for products that improve crop resistance to disease. Biophysicists in many European and Asian countries are currently engaged in such research.
Proponents of alternative medicine see a possible connection between biophotons and natural healing techniques. For example acupuncture is based on manipulating or exciting "ch'i" energy -- the vital life force that, according to ancient Chinese belief, regulates body function and is responsible for well-being. It is suggested that the meridians or energy points used by acupuncturists may tap into node lines within the biophoton field.
It is further hypothesized that all living things might be connected together through dynamic biophoton fields.
A Russian scientist discovered bipohotons in 1923, dubbing them mitogenetic rays. Though Professor Alexander Gurvich's discovery sparked wide research, it wasn't until 1974 that Popp proved their existence, revealed their origin in DNA, and subsequently their coherence. Popp's biophoton theory provides an intriguing and promising path for more international research, which could lead to major developments in our understanding of life, the mechanisms of healing and health, and our interconnectedness with the world around us.
Though skeptics relegate much of this to pseudoscience, research may eventually shed light on biophotons for us all.