EP 096: Astrophysics To Quantum Biology: The Role of Light In Life
Sep 26, 2024
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Robert Fosbury is an astrophysicist with three decades at the European Space Agency and the Hubble Space Telescope. He reveals fascinating parallels between how light interacts with the cosmos and biological life, emphasizing the critical role of infrared light in reproductive processes. Fosbury highlights the surprising openness of certain professions to new findings on infrared benefits while noting resistance in others. He even shares tips on optimal locations for health improvement and explores the interconnectedness of life and light on Earth.
The interdisciplinary collaboration between astrophysics and biology reveals how light, especially infrared, fundamentally influences cellular processes and health.
Exposure to natural light, particularly infrared, is critical for preventing health issues associated with modern indoor lifestyles, termed '21st century scurvy.'
Biophotons, generated by light interactions with biological material, are hypothesized to play a key role in metabolic function and disease prevention.
Deep dives
Interdisciplinary Insights from Light and Biology
The interaction between light and biology is explored, emphasizing how interdisciplinary research can provide a holistic understanding of life. Bob Fosbury, a retired astrophysicist, has shifted focus from celestial phenomena to the biological implications of light, particularly infrared light. His collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, including vision experts and biologists, aims to bridge the gap between astrophysics and biology. This convergence showcases the evolution of science as experts from different fields come together to investigate complex interactions and mechanisms in biology that were previously overlooked.
The Significance of Infrared Light on Biological Function
Infrared light plays a crucial role in enhancing biological functions, particularly in relation to mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses. Unlike visible light, which is primarily absorbed, infrared light scatters within the body, allowing it to penetrate deeper and potentially enhance energy production and cellular processes. This discussion highlights the metaphor of a 'photon gas' within the body, suggesting that accumulated infrared photons can improve mitochondrial function and overall cellular metabolism. The ability of infrared light to stimulate mitochondrial activity indicates a fundamental aspect of how organisms utilize light for energy and health.
Circumventing Light Starvation: Modern Challenges
Many contemporary lifestyles result in a significant lack of natural light exposure, especially infrared, which can be detrimental to health. Individuals often spend prolonged periods indoors or in spaces illuminated by artificial lighting, leading to what is termed '21st century scurvy.' This lack of external light, particularly during winter months, can impact metabolism and lead to increased susceptibility to diseases. As highlighted, practices such as using infrared-emitting light sources or exposure to natural light can enhance overall health and ward off the negative effects of light deprivation.
Biophotons: The Intersection between Light and Life
Research suggests that the interactions of light with biological systems extend beyond mere energy sourcing; they could fundamentally alter cellular processes through mechanisms not yet fully understood. Biophotons, originating from the interaction between light and biological materials, are hypothesized to orchestrate various metabolic functions, including the balance of reactive oxygen species. This line of inquiry opens doors to re-evaluating the biochemical roles of light in sustaining life and health, signalling a paradigm shift in understanding metabolic diseases and the aging process. The ongoing investigation into biophotons could lead to breakthroughs in enhancing life quality through simple light exposure.
Reimagining Our Relationship with Sunlight
The perspective on sunlight has shifted, recognizing it as not merely a source of potential skin damage but rather a vital element for human health through its infrared spectrum. Protective measures like wearing clothing and hats while still allowing sun exposure are recommended to benefit from its healing properties without incurring harmful effects. The interplay of various light wavelengths, including infrared, is essential for supporting metabolic processes and aiding in disease prevention. Encouraging a balanced approach that integrates natural sunlight into daily life can promote overall wellness and vitality.
“It’s a very analogous system—the way that light interacts with the nebula, I think, is the way that the light is interacting with our bodies and with the biosphere in general,” says Robert Fosbury, astrophysicist who worked for 30 years for the European Space Agency and the Hubble Space Telescope. As the silos between scientific camps continue to crumble, Robert finds himself part of a multidisciplinary team who is exploring the way that light interacts with all aspects of life. Today, he joins the Quantum Biology Collective podcast to discuss the link between astrophysics and the world of astronomy, and the world of light, bio photons, infrared light and quantum biology.
It is Robert’s belief that life is the biosphere and extremely intertwined with all the systems of the planet. He explains how different types of light enter and interact with the body, and why infrared light is so vital to the reproductive process of so many living things.
Join today’s discussion to hear Robert reveal the profession which has been surprisingly receptive to new findings on infrared light and its benefits to public health and which has been more reticent. He’ll also share the optimal location to sit to improve one’s health.
Quotes:
“I no longer think of life being a set of individual species…back to the original James Ludlock idea, the early idea of Gaia and the fact that life and the state of the planet are very closely intertwined, I believe they are very closely intertwined.” (15:42 | Robert Fosbury)
“If you’ve been a nurse working night shifts in a hospital in LED-lit wards for many weeks without having much time in daylight, you will begin to suffer from this. We know that the astronauts on the space station… they’ve had very extensive medical tests carried out on them...They also feel the effects of this ’21st-century scurvy,’ I call it. They suffer, we believe, infrared starvation.” (48:46 | Robert Fosbury)
“It’s a very analogous system, the interaction of starlight with an interstellar nebula…the way that light interacts with the nebula, I think, is the way that the light is interacting with our bodies and with the biosphere in general.” (1:08:27 | Robert Fosbury)
“I get really fed up with people saying, ‘Is quantum mechanics required to understand biology?’ Of course it is! The whole thing is quantum physics. Of course it is.” (1:16:42 | Robert Fosbury)