Radiolab The Spark of Life
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Sep 19, 2025 In this enlightening discussion, Nirosha Murugan, an applied biophysicist known for her research on biophotons, captivates listeners with her insights into the light emitted by living cells. She explores the historic onion root experiments that unveiled biophotons and dives into their potential roles in cellular communication and diagnostics. The conversation also touches on how photon emissions might reveal the differences between life and death, including the intriguing concepts of 'life flashes' and 'death flashes' at critical moments in biological processes.
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Burned Hand Sparked a Question
- Nirosha recalls burning her hand and marveling at how fast the body transmits signals to move away.
- That experience led her to question how molecular interactions coordinate so quickly inside cells.
Cells Emit Metabolic Light
- Cells emit extremely weak, wavelength-specific light tied to metabolism.
- Different metabolic states produce different photon colors and intensities.
Light As A Faster Signal
- Light is the fastest known signal and could offer a non-physical communication mode in cells.
- Nirosha hypothesizes cells might use photons like a wireless 'tap card' alternative to physical lock-and-key chemistry.