Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the emission of biophotons and bioluminescence, particularly focusing on the absence of fluorescent proteins that emit outside the visible range, including radio waves. Participants explore the biological implications, the physical principles behind fluorescence, and the potential for engineered proteins.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question why fluorescent proteins emitting above or below the visible range have not been found, suggesting potential biological and scientific benefits of such proteins.
- There is a discussion about whether the 'visible range' refers to human perception or includes other species, with references to the evolutionary advantages of bioluminescence.
- One participant explains that fluorescence is limited to specific energy differences between electronic levels, restricting emissions to the near IR to UV range, and longer wavelengths may not be practical for biological systems.
- A suggestion is made about the possibility of engineering a voltage-sensitive radio fluorescent protein, raising concerns about sensitivity.
- Participants clarify that biophotons are faint emissions from biochemical reactions, distinct from bioluminescence, and require specialized equipment to detect.
- There is mention of CIDNP spectroscopy and its relation to radio wave emissions, with some participants noting that such emissions are not part of natural biological processes.
- Discussion includes the potential for electric discharges from organisms like electric eels to emit RF frequencies, with varying opinions on the strength of such discharges.
- One participant elaborates on the conditions under which electromagnetic waves become self-propagating, linking this to the discussion of biological emissions.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the feasibility of biological emissions of radio waves, with some arguing against the likelihood of such phenomena occurring naturally, while others propose hypothetical scenarios. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the potential for engineered solutions and the biological implications of radio wave emissions.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the dependence on definitions of biophotons and bioluminescence, as well as the unresolved nature of the biological mechanisms that could potentially emit radio waves.