Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Health Science

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Nirosha Murugan

Advisor Role

Principal Investigator, Thesis Supervisor, Thesis Committee Member

Second Advisor

Nicolas Rouleau

Advisor Role

Thesis Committee Member

Third Advisor

Nichole Scheerer

Advisor Role

Thesis Committee Member

Abstract

Neuroimaging techniques have been used to identify and quantify the neural correlates of both cognition and behaviour. Throughout the past century, numerous neuroimaging tools have been developed to further understand and advance neuroscience and neurophysiology, each presenting its own unique limitations. The role of ultraweak photon emissions (UPE), which is endogenously-produced light from biological organisms, remains an untapped area in its relation to human health because of its strong ties to oxidative stress. Previous studies have demonstrated that UPE can provide insight into cellular health and disease, and biological organisms as a whole. However, there are still criticisms in regards to whether UPE produced in the brain can pass through the skull. Additionally, most UPE research has primarily been carried out in in vitro and rodent models, with a significant gap in translating these findings to human participants. This thesis explores the biophysical and cognitive aspect of UPE through three objectives. Objective #1 investigated the ability of different intensities of photons to pass through skull tissue. Objectives #2 and #3 investigated brain-based UPE from individuals who participated in multiple auditory tasks and were screened for mood disturbances through commonly used assessments, including the  4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) and the short form Profile of Mood States (POMS-SF). In this study UPE was measured in tandem and correlated with electroencephalography (EEG) as a validated method of quantifying brain activity. Results from Objective #1 demonstrated that photons, even at weak intensities, can indeed pass through skull tissue. Objectives #2 and #3 demonstrated relationships between UPE and neural activity, as well as anxiety, mood, and mental fatigue. This novel study provided a unique way of inferencing and quantifying cognitive state and function from ultraweak photon emission. Leveraging the detection of passive UPE from individuals may lead to a better understanding of neural correlates of disease, as well as extend our understanding of the human brain’s biophysical processes.

Convocation Year

2026

Convocation Season

Spring

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Available for download on Friday, April 30, 2027

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