We're All A Little Glow-in-the-Dark
Our brains literally glow—but not in a way we can see with the naked eye. Researchers have discovered that our heads emit extremely faint light, known as ultraweak photon emissions (UPEs), generated by metabolic activity. In a recent study, 20 adults sat in a completely dark room while their brain activity was monitored both electrically (via EEG caps) and optically using sensitive detectors near the skull. The result? The brain’s glow varied in rhythmic patterns—especially slower than once per second—and shifted with simple actions like opening or closing the eyes or listening to sounds.
This faint, pulsating light may someday give scientists a new, non-invasive way to monitor brain health—possibly even helping detect conditions like dementia or epilepsy—all by “reading” the glow our brains naturally give off.
Who knew our brains were shining away even when we weren’t looking? What do you think is the color of yours?
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