Mitochondria might be doing far more than just powering cells.
New research in quantum biology suggests these cellular “powerhouses” operate through mechanisms science is only beginning to understand.
In a recent discussion, Kineon founder Forest and fitness expert Thomas DeLauer explored cutting-edge theories about how light, water structure, and quantum mechanics may revolutionize our understanding of cellular energy production.
The implications could transform everything from metabolic health to inflammation management.
Jump to:
- Beyond the Electron Transport Chain
- The Water Factor: Exclusion Zone Biology
- Quantum Tunneling in Your Cells
- Mitochondria Actually Emit Light
- Humans as Photosynthetic Beings
- Rethinking Metabolic Dysfunction
- The Nitric Oxide Connection
- Moving Bottlenecks, Not Eliminating Them
- Three Critical Levers: Energy, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress
- Targeting High-Leverage Body Areas
- Real-World Applications
- The Bigger Picture
Beyond the Electron Transport Chain
Traditional mitochondrial science focuses heavily on cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme in the electron transport chain that helps produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s primary energy currency.
Near-infrared light has been shown to enhance this enzyme’s function, removing it as a bottleneck in energy production. But according to Forest, that explanation doesn’t tell the whole story.
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One of the more iconoclastic takes on this is that this is a very powerful piece but it’s not enough to explain these really impactful outcomes that we’re seeing from a health standpoint.
Research shows 60 to 80% increases in ATP production over 10-12 hours following light exposure—far more than cytochrome c oxidase improvements alone should theoretically produce.
The Water Factor: Exclusion Zone Biology
Water surrounding mitochondria doesn’t behave like ordinary water. Scientists call it “exclusion zone” water, and its viscosity appears directly linked to mitochondrial function.
When mitochondria aren’t producing energy efficiently, this water becomes thick and sticky—essentially creating drag on ATP synthase, the molecular turbine embedded in mitochondrial walls that generates ATP.
Instead of having the turbine spinning in mud, we’re actually able to make it spin in oil or in actually water.
Near-infrared light appears to decrease this water’s viscosity, allowing ATP synthase to rotate faster and produce more energy. DeLauer compared it to a hydroelectric dam where protons flow through at incredible speeds.
This water restructuring effect may be even more impactful than the well-documented electron transport chain benefits.
Quantum Tunneling in Your Cells
Perhaps the most mind-bending aspect involves quantum mechanics operating inside mitochondria.
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Research on proton movement shows particles crossing membrane gradients at speeds that shouldn’t be mechanically possible. The only viable explanation: quantum tunneling—essentially teleportation of protons at the subatomic level.
This is like we have quant. So essentially this teleportation of energy at its absolute core form is happening and light is something that allows this to happen in the first place.
German researcher Andre Sommer has published modeling suggesting this quantum field effect could explain the majority of energy increases that cytochrome c oxidase improvements alone cannot account for.
Mitochondria Actually Emit Light
Recent discoveries show mitochondria don’t just respond to light—they produce it through bioluminescence.
This internal light production may serve as a signaling mechanism, both to the cell nucleus and between mitochondria themselves. Forest noted this creates what researchers call “mitochondrial retrograde signaling.”
Not only necessarily communicating with the nucleus of the cell but also with other mitochondria around because there appear to be responsive back and forths of this bioluminescence.
DeLauer highlighted the parallel to bioluminescent plankton, emphasizing that similar light-based communication happens within human cells—science is just beginning to understand why.
Humans as Photosynthetic Beings
The body contains numerous photoreceptors concentrated primarily around mitochondria, suggesting humans may be more photosynthetic than previously believed.
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Key photoreceptors include:
- Hemoglobin in blood
- Ion channels throughout tissues
- Opsins in eyes
- Mitochondrial enzymes in virtually every cell
DeLauer questioned whether the benefits of sun exposure truly come down to vitamin D alone, or whether light’s direct effects on cellular energy represent the primary mechanism.
Everything you can deduce down to energy. What do you need to actually convert vitamin D into a usable form? You need energy.
Rethinking Metabolic Dysfunction
This quantum perspective offers a radically different view of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
Rather than focusing solely on improving coenzyme Q10 or streamlining electron donation, the real breakthrough may lie in optimizing what DeLauer called “quantum energy” through light and oxygen.
He suggested calories might function less as the primary fuel source and more as electron carriers—turning the engine on rather than keeping it running.
I look at calories so much differently as like calories are like a basis for the electrons but that isn’t the main piece.
Epidemiological data from around the world shows vastly different calorie intakes producing similar health outcomes when other factors—potentially including light exposure—are optimized.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
The Nitric Oxide Connection
The body operates not as a two-gas system (oxygen and carbon dioxide) but as a three-gas system that includes nitric oxide.
Near-infrared light displaces nitric oxide from hemoglobin binding sites, allowing more oxygen to attach and be delivered to cells. Forest explained this creates both cellular and extracellular impacts.
Within cells, nitric oxide release temporarily increases reactive oxygen species—similar to exercise-induced oxidative stress that ultimately strengthens cellular stress response systems.
Moving Bottlenecks, Not Eliminating Them
Forest introduced an industrial engineering concept: removing one bottleneck simply moves it elsewhere in the system.
Cytochrome c oxidase represents a local bottleneck rather than a systemic one. Optimizing it helps, but other factors—exclusion zone water, quantum tunneling, photoreceptor activation—may create synergistic effects that better explain the massive ATP increases observed.
We’re looking at the thinning and the increased viscosity as a key driver for additional turns of the turbine for demuddying the water.
DeLauer posed an interesting philosophical question: bottlenecks must exist for biological form to exist at all. The goal isn’t elimination but optimization—moving bottlenecks to where nature intended rather than creating self-induced restrictions through poor diet and inadequate light exposure.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Three Critical Levers: Energy, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress
Forest emphasized light’s impact extends across three fundamental biological processes.
Energy production sees 60-80% increases in ATP generation. Inflammation shows 60-70% decreases in inflammatory cytokines around injured tissue. Oxidative stress demonstrates the most interesting pattern.
Unlike most interventions that either increase or decrease oxidative stress, light therapy appears to normalize it—pulling levels back into healthy ranges whether baseline oxidative stress is too high or too low.
Light actually works in a positive or helpful or healthy way in both cases.
Targeting High-Leverage Body Areas
Maximum systemic impact comes from applying light therapy to specific regions:
- Gut for digestive and immune function
- Brain for cognitive benefits
- Vagus nerve for neurological tissue support
- Blood through major vessels
Forest’s company, Kineon, focuses on making clinical-grade laser therapy accessible at home. Their mission: transform $30,000-$50,000 desktop devices into wearable, sub-$500 consumer products.
With 60,000 devices deployed, they’ve emphasized ease of use for daily application rather than occasional clinical visits.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Real-World Applications
DeLauer shared personal experience with Kineon’s devices for back pain relief, noting noticeable differences in recovery and energy levels.
The conversation highlighted a crucial point: pragmatic, real-world results matter more than theoretical models. Whether through quantum tunneling, structured water, or electron transport optimization, light therapy delivers measurable outcomes.
There’s nothing you could tell me that would make me happier than this is impacting your life.
Forest emphasized reasonable expectations—light therapy creates meaningful improvements but won’t solve all problems overnight. Consistent daily use targeting high-leverage body areas produces the best results.
The Bigger Picture
This quantum biology perspective fundamentally challenges conventional thinking about metabolism, energy, and health optimization.
Rather than viewing mitochondria purely as chemical factories running predictable reactions, emerging science suggests they operate through quantum mechanics, structured water dynamics, and light-based signaling systems.
The practical takeaway: light exposure—particularly near-infrared wavelengths—may rank among the most powerful interventions for energy production, inflammation control, and metabolic health.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
As research continues mapping these complex biological networks through advanced tools like biological knowledge graphs, RNA sequencing, and proteomics, the full picture of mitochondrial function will likely reveal even more surprising mechanisms.
For now, the evidence strongly supports incorporating deliberate light exposure—whether through sun exposure, red light therapy devices, or targeted laser treatments—as a foundational health practice alongside nutrition, movement, and sleep.
