The Spark of Life

Molly Webster interviews Nirosha Murugan, an applied biophysicist, about the phenomenon of bioluminescence—the emission of light by living organisms. Nirosha explains how every cell in the body emits light due to metabolic processes, particularly within the mitochondria, where electrons release energy as photons. The discussion explores why this light is not visible to the naked eye, the potential for different wavelengths of light to carry information, and the possibility that microtubules within cells act as fiber optic cables to guide this light. Nirosha also shares her research on using photon signatures to detect cancer at its earliest stages and touches on the concept of a "death flash," a sudden release of energy as light at the end of life. The episode concludes with a dedication to Molly's father, reflecting on the energetic transformation that occurs at death.