Research programme

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The Guy Foundation Quantum Biology and Bioenergetics Lab undertakes an integrated programme of experimental research to investigate the physical processes underlying biological function and their potential implications for health and medicine.

The Laboratory brings together expertise and facilities at the University of Westminster in London and the Central Laser Facility (CLF), UKRI-STFC, at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, UK. Through collaborations with researchers and institutions internationally, it is developing new experimental approaches to investigate how quantum theory can provide deeper insights into biological phenomena, with a particular focus on mitochondrial function, cellular communication and bioenergetics, and the roles of light and electromagnetic fields in these processes.

The Laboratory’s research combines advanced optical detection, spectroscopy, cellular imaging and the controlled manipulation of light and magnetic fields. It takes a hypothesis-driven, clinically oriented approach, examining how changes in the physical environment may disrupt biological regulation, contribute to disease and accelerate ageing, and whether these effects may be amplified in space. Investigations span ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), often referred to as biophotons; mitochondrial and cellular responses to magnetic fields; the effects of light on health; and the potential role of quantum optical phenomena in biology. By connecting fundamental physics with experimental biology and clinical questions, the Laboratory aims to strengthen the scientific foundations of quantum biology, bridge disciplinary divides and translate emerging insights into practical approaches to improving health.

Details of our research priorities, team members and publications are presented below.

Research Priorities

Living cells produce ultra-weak photon emissions (UPE) during normal metabolism and in response to physiological and metabolic stress. Although these emissions are extremely faint compared with other forms of light produced by biological systems, their origins and significance are not yet well understood. At the same time, cells are rich in chromophores - molecules that absorb and respond to light - highlighting the fundamental sensitivity of biological systems to their optical environment. Together with evidence of delayed luminescence, in which biological materials continue to emit light after illumination has ceased, these observations raise the hypothesis that life may use a photonic homeostatic system to help monitor and regulate cellular function.

The Laboratory is investigating this hypothesis by examining the relationships between photon emission, mitochondrial activity, cellular redox state and reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is developing improved methods to detect and spectrally characterise UPE, quantify delayed luminescence, and determine how these signals vary across cell types and physiological conditions. The aim is to establish whether photon emissions can provide reliable measures of cellular state and reveal mechanisms through which light may influence biological regulation.

Building on this research, the Laboratory is exploring whether these processes can be measured and deliberately modulated using defined wavelengths and doses of light, an approach termed mito-tuning. This work could provide new ways to monitor and influence mitochondrial function and cellular health.

Research directions include:

Improving the sensitivity, spectral resolution and physiological applicability of UPE detection.
Investigating the relationship between photon emission, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress and cellular signalling.
Comparing UPE responses in healthy and cancerous cells and under different metabolic conditions.
Developing wavelength- and dose-dependent approaches to mitochondrial modulation.

Magnetic fields are a fundamental component of the physical environment in which life evolved. Because biological processes rely on electrochemical effects, and may be influenced by quantum-mechanical processes such as spin-dependent reactions, changes in magnetic fields and electromagnetic exposures could affect cellular function. Life evolved within a magnetic Goldilocks zone shaped by the relatively stable geomagnetic environment, and deviations from this environment may thus disrupt biological processes. The Laboratory investigates how changes in magnetic field strength influence cellular function, mitochondrial activity and energy metabolism, with particular relevance to space health.

Research has identified cellular and mitochondrial responses to hypomagnetic field exposure. The programme will extend these investigations to examine the underlying molecular and metabolic mechanisms.

The Laboratory will also investigate biological responses to stronger-than-ambient magnetic fields. Comparing responses across different field strengths will help establish how magnetic environments influence biological systems and whether these effects involve changes in redox chemistry, ROS generation or other spin-dependent processes.

Research directions include:

Investigating the effects of hypomagnetic fields on cellular and mitochondrial function.
Applying molecular and metabolic analyses to identify mechanisms underlying magnetic-field responses.
Extending experimental capabilities to investigate hypermagnetic fields and compare the effects of different field strengths.
Exploring the relevance of magnetic-field biology to human health and the challenges of long-duration spaceflight.

Light is an environmental regulator of biological function, influencing circadian rhythms, metabolism, vision and other physiological processes. Throughout evolution, humans have been exposed to the natural light environment, yet modern indoor environments differ substantially from natural daylight in their spectral composition, often providing little or no ultraviolet or near-infrared radiation. This raises the possibility that, as with magnetic fields, biology has evolved within a particular light ‘Goldilocks zone’ and that departures from this environment may have consequences for health.Building on the Foundation's wider Light and Health initiative, the Laboratory is investigating how specific wavelengths of light influence mitochondrial activity and cellular metabolism, and how the quality of light in buildings can be measured more comprehensively.

Experimental work examines the effects of visible and near-infrared light on mitochondrial function. The programme will also explore the relationship between photonic modulation, ROS generation and magnetic-field effects.

Alongside laboratory investigations, the Laboratory is developing the capability to assess the spectral quality of light in real environments. This includes the development of a portable building-light spectrometer designed to measure wavelengths extending from the ultraviolet through the visible and into the near-infrared. Such a tool could help identify differences between natural daylight and artificial lighting that conventional lux measurements do not capture.

The aim is to connect experimental photobiology with practical approaches to improving the environments in which people live and work.

Research directions include:

Investigating wavelength- and dose-dependent effects of visible and near-infrared light on mitochondrial function.
Exploring interactions between light exposure, magnetic fields and redox signalling.
Developing approaches to detect localised ROS production and investigate its relationship with photonic modulation.
Developing a portable instrument to characterise the spectral composition of light in buildings.
Supporting evidence-based approaches to lighting, glazing and architectural design that take account of biological as well as visual requirements.

The Laboratory is developing experimental capabilities to investigate quantum optical phenomena and their potential relevance to biological systems. This includes work on entangled photons and entangled two-photon absorption (ETPA), a process in which the interaction of entangled photon pairs with matter can differ from conventional two-photon absorption.

The programme aims to establish reliable experimental methods for characterising these interactions, including the identification and validation of suitable reference molecules. This work addresses important methodological questions in quantum optics while building the capabilities needed to investigate novel light–matter interactions.

The broader research context includes the possibility that collective and coherent optical phenomena may occur in biological structures, including the potential for phenomena such as superradiance.

Research directions include:

Developing and validating experimental approaches for entangled two-photon absorption.
Improving the characterisation of photon–matter interactions under controlled conditions.
Investigating collective light–matter interactions in biological molecules and structures.
Exploring whether quantum optical phenomena could contribute to a deeper understanding of biological function.

An integrated research approach

The four priorities are closely connected. UPE provides a means of investigating the optical signatures associated with cellular activity, while photobiomodulation explores whether light can actively influence that activity. Magnetic-field research examines another dimension of the physical environment that may affect mitochondrial function and redox chemistry. Quantum optics extends this experimental framework to investigate the fundamental interactions between light and matter.

Together, these areas support a central objective of the Laboratory: to develop robust experimental methods for understanding how physical processes interact with biological energy production, cellular communication and physiological regulation.

The programme combines experimental investigation with the development of new instrumentation and analytical methods. Its findings will contribute to the wider scientific understanding of quantum biology and bioenergetics, while helping to identify potential applications in medicine, environmental health and space exploration.

Research team and collaborators

The Guy Foundation supports and coordinates this interdisciplinary programme by bringing together researchers with complementary expertise in bioenergetics, photobiology, quantum optics, spectroscopy, cellular imaging and magnetic-field biology.

The Laboratory's research is led through its experimental programme at the University of Westminster and the Central Laser Facility, UKRI-STFC.

Professor Jimmy Bell – Head, Research Centre for Optimal Health, University of Westminster (Read bio)
Professor Alistair Nunn – Visiting Professor, University of Westminster and Director of Science, The Guy Foundation (Read bio)
Dr Rhys Mould – Head of Group, The Guy Foundation Quantum Biology and Bioenergetics Lab at the University of Westminster.
Sanika Ghayal – Space Health PhD Studentship, University of Westminster.
Milosha Gracias – Research Associate, University of Westminster.
Professor Stan Botchway – STFC Fellow, Central Laser Facility, UKRI-STFC, Harwell (Read bio)
Dr Alix Bailie – Post Doctoral Research Fellow (PDRA) and Industrial Liaison Scientist, Central Laser Facility.
Dr Matthew Tang – Post Doctoral Research Fellow (PDRA), Central Laser Facility.

Laboratory Alumni:

Dr Ifi Kalampouka, University of Westminster
Dr Alasdair Mackenzie, Central Laser Facility
Grace Pennelli, University of Westminster

The Laboratory’s work is strengthened by collaborations with researchers and institutions whose expertise complements its core research programme.

Arizona State University

Professor Wayne Frasch and colleagues contribute expertise in ATP synthase, mitochondrial bioenergetics and the molecular machinery responsible for oxidative phosphorylation. Previous Foundation-supported collaboration has also investigated the role of V-ATPase in bioelectric signalling and the regulation of biological form.

Princeton University

Professor Gregory Scholes and colleagues have contributed to expertise in photochemistry and light–matter interactions. This collaboration supported investigations into the mechanisms through which light may influence metabolism and related biological functions, including work associated with the Fluorescent Light Energy study.

Quantum Biology Laboratory, Howard University

Dr Philip Kurian and colleagues have investigated collective quantum phenomena in biological structures, including superradiance and the optical properties of chromophores in proteins and microtubules. This work complements the Foundation's interest in the fundamental interactions between light and biological matter.

Tufts University

Professor Michael Levin and colleagues have collaborated with the Foundation on bioelectricity, tissue reprogramming and the mechanisms through which electrical signalling contributes to biological form and function. This work has also involved Professor Wayne Frasch and colleagues at Arizona State University.

University College London

Professor Glen Jeffery, Dr Jemima Unwin Teji, Khorshid Meilhami and colleagues contribute expertise in vision and photobiology. The Foundation has supported research investigating the effects of near-infrared radiation on well-being, including metabolic, visual, cognitive and sleep-related outcomes in people working in windowless office environments.

University of Oxford

Professor Karl Morten and colleagues have collaborated with the Foundation on research investigating whether components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain can be found and function in non-mitochondrial membrane systems, with implications for understanding cellular energy production.

Wider research network

The Foundation's research programme also draws on collaborations with other academic groups, technical specialists and external partners. These relationships enable the development of new research questions, the sharing of specialist facilities and expertise, and the translation of experimental findings into further investigations.

The Foundation continues to build collaborations at the intersection of quantum biology, bioenergetics, photobiology, environmental health and space medicine.

Publications and research outputs

Publications arising from the Laboratory and its wider collaborative programme include work on ultra-weak photon emission, mitochondrial structure and function, non-chemical signalling between mitochondria, photobiomodulation, superradiance and quantum-enhanced photoprotection.

Mould RR, Mackenzie A, Hammack AT, Aloni S, Pennelli GM, Kalampouka I, Botchway SW, Nunn AV, Guy GW, Thomas EL, Bell JD. Direct ultra-weak photon emission detection from mammalian cells using a photomultiplier tube-based system. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology. 2026; 284.
doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2026.113585
Babcock NS, Montes-Cabrera G, Oberhofer KE, Chergui M, Celardo GL, Kurian P. Ultraviolet Superradiance from Mega-Networks of Tryptophan in Biological Architectures. J. Phys. Chem. B. 2024; 128(17): p.4035–4046.
doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07936
Kalampouka I, Mould RR, Botchway SW, Mackenzie AM, Nunn AV, Thomas EL, Bell JD. Selective induction of senescence in cancer cells through near-infrared light treatment via mitochondrial modulation. Journal of Biophotonics. 2024; 17(8).
doi.org/10.1002/jbio.202400046
Mackenzie AM, Smith HE, Mould RR, Bell JD, Nunn AVW, Botchway, SW. Rooting out ultraweak photon emission a-mung bean sprouts. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2024; 19(100224).
doi.org/10.1016/j.jpap.2023.100224
McMillen, P., Levin, M. Collective intelligence: A unifying concept for integrating biology across scales and substrates. Commun Biol. 2024; 7(378).
doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-06037-4
Mould RR, Mackenzie AM, Kalampouka I, Nunn AVW, Thomas EL, Bell JD. Ultra Weak Photon Emission - A Brief Review. Frontiers in Physiology - Biophysics. 2024; 15(1348915).
doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1348915
Patwa H, Babcock NS, Kurian P. Quantum-enhanced photoprotection in neuroprotein architectures emerges from collective light-matter interactions. Frontiers in Physics. 2024; 12.
doi.org/10.3389/fphy.2024.1387271
Smith HE, Mackenzie AM, Seddon C, Mould RR, Kalampouka I, Malakar P, et al. The use of NADH anisotropy to investigate mitochondrial cristae alignment. Sci Rep. 2024; 14(5980).
doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-55780-5
Cervera J, Levin M, Mafé S. Correcting instructive electric potential patterns in multicellular systems: External actions and endogenous processes. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects. 2023; 1867(10).
doi.org/10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130440
Cervera J, Manzanares JA, Levin M, Mafe S. Transplantation of fragments from different planaria: a bioelectrical model for head regeneration. Journal of Theoretical Biology. 2023; 558(111356).
doi.org/10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111356
Fields C, Levin M. Regulative development as a model for origin of life and artificial life studies. Biosystems. 2023; 229(104927).
doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.104927
Lagasse E, Levin M. Future Medicine: from molecular pathways to the collective intelligence of the body. Trends in Molecular Medicine. 2023; 29(9): p.687-710.
doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2023.06.007
Mould RR, Kalampouka I, Thomas EL, Guy GW, Nunn AVW, Bell JD. Non-chemical Signalling Between Mitochondria. Frontiers in Physiology. 2023; 14(1268075).
doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1268075
Fields C, Friston K, Glazebrook JF, Levin, M. A free energy principle for generic quantum systems. Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology. 2022; 173: p.36-59.
doi.org/10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.05.006
Fields C, Glazebrook JF, Levin M. Neurons as hierarchies of quantum reference frames. Biosystems. 2022; 219(104714).
doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystems.2022.104714
Grodstein J, Levin M. A Computational Approach to Explaining Bioelectrically-induced Persistent, Stochastic Changes of Axial Polarity in Planarian Regeneration. Bioelectricity. 2022 4(1): p.18-30.
doi.org/10.1089/bioe.2021.0036
Manicka S, Levin, M. Minimal developmental computation: a causal network approach to understand morphogenetic pattern formation. Entropy. 2022; 24(107). 2022 4(1): p.18-30.
doi.org/10.3390/e24010107
Mould RR, Thomas EL, Guy GW, Nunn AVW, Bell JD. Cell-Cell Death Communication by Signals Passing Through Non-Aqueous Environments: A Reply. Results in Chemistry. 2022; 4(100538).
doi.org/10.1016/j.rechem.2022.100538
Fields C, Levin M. Metabolic limits on classical information processing by biological cells. BioSystems. 2021; 209(104513).
doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystems.2021.104513
Mould RR, Botchway SW, Parkinson JRC, Thomas EL, Guy GW, Bell JD, Nunn AVW. Cannabidiol Modulates Mitochondrial Redox and Dynamics in MCF7 Cancer Cells: A Study Using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy of NAD(P)H. Front Mol Biosci. 2021; 8(630107).
doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2021.630107
Riol A, Cervera J, Levin M, Mafe S. Cell systems bioelectricity: how different intercellular gap junctions could regionalize a multicellular aggregate. Cancers. 2021; 13(21): 5300.
doi.org/10.3390/cancers13215300

For all publications from The Guy Foundation, visit the Publications page and to view talks from the research team, visit the Online Lectures page.

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