Not everyone is convinced. José Antonio Enríquez, a molecular biologist at the Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research, expressed that while Martin Picard’s theories linking mitochondria to consciousness are intriguing, they aren’t proven. “Martin is a good thinker, sometimes a bit wild,” Enríquez noted. “His assertions need careful and scientific evaluation.”
Picard realizes that some of his biomedical peers find his ideas hard to embrace. “I’m a bit of a heretic for trying to connect biological processes within mitochondria to human experiences,” he said. “But I believe that if we don’t attempt this, we’re missing a major opportunity.”
The ongoing metabolic-chamber study aims to bridge this gap by investigating how mitochondria might influence subjective experiences. During a conference in the afternoon of 2025, Evan Shaulson, a graduate student in Picard’s lab, shared initial findings.
Participants suffering from one of two rare mitochondrial diseases were found to burn an extra 180 calories daily and expended 15% more energy even while resting. “They have to manage a caloric ‘tax’ of 180 calories each day,” Shaulson pointed out, which is similar to consuming a slice of pizza. These subjects reported higher levels of fatigue and stress compared to healthy individuals. Blood biomarkers indicated higher levels of metabolic molecules like lactate, which suggest poor mitochondrial function and are associated with anxiety.
In a second phase of the research, the scientists monitored the energy expenditure of participants over nine days of their regular lives. Instead of using an IV, the participants consumed water with isotopes, and researchers measured how quickly these isotopes were expelled through urine, which is a known method for assessing metabolic rates.
Surprisingly, the caloric difference between the two groups nearly disappeared in real-world conditions. Healthy individuals ended up using 16% more energy than in the chamber setting, while those with mitochondrial diseases only increased by 5%. As Shaulson explained, the chamber conditions likely mirrored a typical day for those with the condition, who tend to be less active due to low energy levels.
The findings are still preliminary and based on a limited number of participants, with only 20 individuals (excluding Picard) sharing data so far. However, they hint at how mitochondrial processes can impact the organism holistically, according to Shaulson. Understanding how these changes start at the molecular and cellular levels and translate into mood and behavior could lead to new insights and treatments for mitochondrial diseases, while also shedding light on how mitochondria contribute to overall health.
Herman Pontzer, an evolutionary anthropologist at Duke University knowledgeable about human bioenergetics, emphasized that the chamber study highlights the complexities of the body’s systems governing calorie expenditure—systems that remain somewhat mysterious. “Picard and his team have initiated exploration into these systems and established a foundation for future research on metabolism and health,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Picard aims to conduct a larger study involving around 100 participants, overseen by Shaulson. Besides spending time in a chamber, participants will be monitored for six months using wearable devices, an app, saliva samples, and personal experience reports. Shaulson believes the results might provide insights linking behavior, biology, and consciousness.
Picard plans to keep investigating these topics through a new nonprofit he’s setting up, aimed at translating scientific discoveries into practical applications. He intends to launch this institute in 2027, funded by philanthropic contributions, to merge insights regarding mitochondria, metabolism, and human experiences under a new field of healing science “that aspires to support human flourishing,” he stated.
Shaulson noted that it’s somewhat rare for a tenured professor like Picard, who publishes in high-level journals, to discuss concepts like energy flow and holistic healing. These subjects often belong to the realms of yogis, traditional medicine practitioners, and self-styled spiritual healers. However, skepticism from other researchers is typically eased once they examine the data, which validates the unconventional perspective.
Picard acknowledged that some of the lab’s hypotheses may initially appear a bit “woo” to some academics. But he believes challenging ideas have always driven science, leading to thorough investigation and refinement. “Many concepts once dismissed as ‘woo’ became accepted once we understood them better,” he added.
