What is ultra-weak photon emission?
Oxidative reactions, excited molecular states, and free radical processes occurring during cellular metabolism can lead to the generation of very low amounts of photons. This light is too weak to be seen with the naked eye and is measured using specialized instruments such as photomultiplier tubes or sensitive CCD/CMOS-based imaging systems.
Are these photons bioluminescence?
No. Bioluminescence in organisms such as fireflies is an enzymatic and much stronger light production. UPE, on the other hand, emerges as a very low-level byproduct of metabolic reactions. A 2024 Frontiers in Physiology review distinguishes UPE from bioluminescence, delayed luminescence, and classical chemiluminescence.
Has it really been measured in humans?
Yes. There are numerous experimental studies and reviews on whole-body and regional UPE measurements in humans. Reviews from 2013 and 2018 emphasized that UPE can be influenced by age, circadian rhythm, oxidative state, environmental conditions, and metabolic variables, and that measurement standardization is critical.
What can UPE tell us?
One of the current areas of research is whether UPE can serve as a non-invasive marker of oxidative metabolism and redox balance. Theoretically, it is thought that different metabolic states could affect the intensity and spectral distribution of light emission. However, for this to be used in routine clinical diagnosis, device standardization, reference ranges, large patient series, and disease-specific validation are required.
Are biophotons and bioresonance the same thing?
No. Biophoton/UPE research directly utilizes photon counting and optical detection technologies. Bioresonance devices, depending on the manufacturer and system, may use electrodermal measurement, electromagnetic frequency processing, or feedback protocols. Therefore, if it is to be stated that a bioresonance device measures UPE, this must be demonstrated separately through the device’s technical documentation and independent validation studies.
Does biophoton research prove bioresonance?
Biophoton research is an important field of biophysics demonstrating that living systems possess electromagnetically and optically measurable properties. However, this does not automatically validate the diagnostic or therapeutic claims of a specific bioresonance device. In scientific evaluation, the questions “is the biological phenomenon real?” and “does this device accurately measure or clinically affect this phenomenon?” must be answered separately.
Why is this distinction important?
This distinction is important both in terms of scientific credibility and patient communication. Presenting a real and well-defined biophysical phenomenon as evidence for a technically different device creates unnecessary controversy. Conversely, explaining UPE research within its own boundaries helps to understand the broader biophysical framework in which bioresonance is situated.
Our approach at our Bodrum clinic
We do not conflate the outputs of bioresonance devices with biophoton/UPE research. We evaluate what the device measures based on its technical specifications; we make clinical decisions together with the individual’s history, physical examination, and, when necessary, validated laboratory or imaging results.
References
- Mould RR, et al. Ultra weak photon emission-a brief review. Front Physiol. 2024;15:1348915. PMID: 38420619. PubMed
- Human Ultraweak Photon Emission: Key Analytical Aspects, Results and Future Trends – A Review. PMID: 30582823. PubMed
- Towards whole-body ultra-weak photon counting and imaging with a focus on human beings: a review. PMID: 24359911. PubMed
Written and medically reviewed by: Dr. Kerem Çağlayan
Last medical review: September 11, 2026
