Microbes and the Paranormal: Can Science Explain the Unexplained?

Tales of the paranormal, including hauntings, unusual encounters, and other mysterious happenings, have both intrigued and terrified people for eons. Popular reality TV shows, like The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch, keep the unexplained alive in our minds and feed our curiosity, keeping us hooked. Many credit these experiences to spirits or supernatural forces. However, science is still skeptical and demands proof to support these claims. But does our environment play a bigger role in the paranormal than we realize? What if the microscopic world, rather than the supernatural, is behind some of these mysteries?

This article examines the compelling idea that microbes could subtly influence how we perceive our environment, even in ways that seem paranormal. Although this may sound unlikely at first, research shows that microorganisms can affect our senses, mood, and even cognition—how we think, learn, remember, and process information. So, by combining science with an open mind and a healthy dose of skepticism, we will find out whether these unseen organisms help explain some of history’s most baffling paranormal events.

MICROBES AND THE HUMAN MIND

The Gut-Brain Messaging System

The trillions of microbes in our gut, known as the gut microbiota, play a surprising role in many processes in the body. They aid digestion, support the immune system, help regulate stress, influence our mood, and even affect how our brain functions.
These microbes communicate with the brain through what scientists call the gut-brain axis—a two-way communication network between the gut and the nervous system (which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves).

Microbes include bacteria, archaea, fungi (such as molds and yeasts), protists (including some plankton and parasites), and viruses.

A key part of this system is the vagus nerve, a kind of biological superhighway that sends signals back and forth between the gut and brain. Our gut microbes produce many important substances, including neurochemicals like serotonin, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), dopamine, and glutamate, as well as short-chain fatty acids. These chemicals interact with the vagus nerve and directly influence our senses, emotions, and overall brain function.

A balanced gut microbiota supports our mental and emotional well-being. But when these gut microbes become imbalanced (a condition known as dysbiosis), it can negatively affect our mental health. Poor diet, stress, or certain medications can disrupt the gut microbiota, potentially leading to anxiety, mood swings, trouble focusing, memory lapses, and even changes in how we perceive our surroundings.

Can Gut Microbes Shape Our Perception of the Unexplained?

Could an odd feeling in an unfamiliar place have more to do with our gut than with the supernatural? Some scientists think so. Research suggests that when our gut microbes are out of balance, it can impact our mood and mental state, perhaps causing discomfort, fear, or increased sensitivity, especially in strange environments. Although there is no concrete evidence that gut microbes cause hallucinations or paranormal encounters, they play a big role in how we feel and perceive. This influence on mood and cognition could shape how we interpret unusual or puzzling experiences. Of course, perception is affected by many factors, and gut health is just one of them.
 

Mold and How It Affects Our Mind

Besides being a hideous, musty nuisance, mold can be harmful to our health. It spreads by releasing microscopic spores into the air, and some types produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. Long-term exposure to high levels of these toxins can affect our nervous system, resulting in cognitive issues like confusion, anxiety, and difficulty thinking clearly. While there is no solid evidence tying mold to paranormal experiences, it makes one wonder whether mold exposure could make certain places feel uncomfortable or “off”.

Old, damp buildings provide ideal conditions for mold to thrive. Some species, such as Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as black mold), Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Alternaria, produce mycotoxins. These toxins can enter the body when we inhale contaminated dust, touch moldy surfaces, or swallow tiny particles. When enough of these toxins accumulate in our system, they can interfere with how our brain functions.

For example, Aspergillus flavus, a mold commonly found in soil, rotting vegetation, dust, and HVAC systems, produces aflatoxins, a highly toxic group of mycotoxins. Some studies suggest that exposure to high levels of aflatoxins may damage brain tissue and impair cognitive processes, such as memory, focus, and mental clarity.

Mycotoxins can cause a wide range of symptoms that often appear vague or resemble other common illnesses. As a result, physicians may not always suspect mold exposure as the underlying cause of a patient’s symptoms.

Stachybotrys mold produces satratoxins, which are another group of mycotoxins. These can cause fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and the dreaded brain fog. In people who spend a lot of time in mold-infested environments, especially water damaged buildings, other symptoms like tinnitus (ringing in the ears), disorientation, or anxiety can also develop. These effects could make a place seem strange or even eerie.

While mold can affect health, serious neurological problems (those affecting the brain and nervous system) usually result from long-term exposure to high levels of mold toxins, not from a brief visit to an old building. But understanding how mold influences our perception might help explain why some places give us that unsettling impression, even if there is nothing “paranormal” about them.

Hallucinogenic Molds in History

Fungi have played a fascinating role in shaping history, especially when it comes to altering human perception. Historians have linked some fungi to hallucinations and even mass hysteria. One of the most well-known cases is ergot poisoning, caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea. This fungus primarily infects rye but can also damage other grains like wheat, barley, and triticale (a rye-wheat hybrid). It produces ergot alkaloids, which are chemically related to LSD, and these substances can cause intense hallucinations, muscle spasms, confusion, paranoia, and even convulsions.

Ergot poisoning, also called St. Anthony’s Fire, was a major issue in Europe from the Middle Ages until the early 1900s. Large outbreaks occurred between the 11th and 17th centuries. People who ate ergot-infected grain experienced horrific symptoms, including hallucinations, severe convulsions, and uncontrollable behaviour. There is even speculation that ergot poisoning might have played a role in the Salem witch trials of 1692; some of the accused showed symptoms of convulsive ergotism, such as delirium and convulsions. While there is no hard evidence tying ergot to the trials, the theory continues to intrigue historians.

Aside from ergot, other hallucinogenic fungi have shaped how people perceive reality. Psilocybe mushrooms (also called magic mushrooms) contain psilocybin, a chemical that warps perception and induces vivid, surreal hallucinations. For centuries, ancient Mesoamerican cultures, like the Aztecs and Maya, used these mushrooms in spiritual ceremonies. They believed these mushrooms helped them transcend the physical world and connect with the divine. For them, these fungi were more than just mind-altering substances; they were sacred tools that opened a doorway between the physical and spiritual realms, allowing them to communicate with the gods and explore deeper parts of themselves.

From ancient traditions to strange and sometimes tragic events in history, fungi have long held a powerful influence on how we experience the world, sometimes making it hard to tell what is real and what is imagined.

1. Ancient Mesoamerican cultures used magic mushroom in spiritual and religious ceremonies
2. “Psilocybe semilanceata”, by Dr. Hans-Günter Wagner, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
3. “Psilocybin cubensis mushroom”, by Kristie Gianopulos, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Microbial Toxins and the Brain: What’s the Connection?

Apart from mold, other microbes can also influence how we feel and think. They do this by producing toxins or triggering immune responses that interfere with how our brains function. For example, Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium behind botulism, produces botulinum toxin, a powerful neurotoxin that blocks signals from the nerves to muscles. This can result in paralysis and other serious problems with the nervous system. Another example is Trypanosoma brucei, the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness. This organism can cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt brain activity, leading to confusion, hallucinations, and severe sleep problems. In later stages, it can cause meningoencephalitis, an inflammation of the brain and its protective membrane layers.

The blood-brain barrier usually acts like a defense system, allowing in vital nutrients like glucose while keeping out harmful substances. However, some microbes, certain toxins (including some mycotoxins), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can pass through or even weaken this barrier, potentially affecting how the brain functions.

Though uncommon, the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can cause viral encephalitis, a brain inflammation that may lead to hallucinations, memory problems, or changes in thought processes. Similarly, Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite commonly transmitted through cat feces, can also infect the brain and potentially affect behavior. Some studies have even linked this parasite to increased risk-taking behaviour and conditions like schizophrenia. But these connections need more evidence.

The Complex Web of Perception

Microbial toxins can affect mood and cognition, but they do not directly make people believe in the paranormal. However, their effects on the brain might make some people more prone to misinterpreting experiences, particularly during times of stress or in unfamiliar places. Many factors, including life experiences, genetics, and our environment shape how we perceive reality. Microbes are just a small part of this intricate web. Understanding how they interact with our brains, along with other environmental influences, can help us better grasp how we make sense of the world—even if it does not explain every mysterious experience.

MICROBES, ENVIRONMENT, AND OUR SENSES

How Microbial Gases Might Shape What We Experience

Microbes thrive in places rich in decaying matter, such as swamps, caves, damp basements, and old abandoned buildings. As they break down this material, they release gases into the air. While we may not always notice them, these gases can subtly change the atmosphere of a place and may influence how we perceive our surroundings. Sometimes, this shift can make a space feel eerie—something some people interpret as “paranormal”. But more often, psychological and environmental factors are more likely to be the cause of such experiences.

Volatile Organic Compounds and the Mind

Some microbes, like the black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum, and certain bacteria from the genera Streptomyces and Clostridium, release small molecules called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during their metabolic processes. These VOCs include alcohols (e.g., ethanol) and ketones; these are lightweight molecules that easily evaporate into the air. In high concentrations, VOCs can cause dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and mood swings. Even at lower levels, they may still affect memory and concentration. So, if you have ever stepped into a dank old room and suddenly felt foggy or uneasy, microbes could be at least partly to blame.

The Smell of Rain: Why it Stirs Our Emotions

Petrichor, that fresh, earthy smell that fills the air after it rains, is produced by soil microbes, mostly Streptomyces and Cyanobacteria. When rain falls on the ground, these bacteria release natural chemicals like geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), which create that familiar smell. These substances can stir up strong emotions in us. For many, the smell feels comforting and nostalgic, bringing back happy memories. But everyone has a different reaction to it. Depending on our personal memories or cultural background, it may stir up disturbing emotions or even feel unpleasant.

In places like old basements, caves, or cemeteries, where microbial activity is high, the scent of petrichor can be more intense and increase feelings of unease. Combined with low light, strange sounds, or a sense of isolation, the atmosphere can quickly become unnerving, sometimes enough to feel supernatural.

Do Microbes Really Cause Cold Spots?

People often associate sudden chills or “colds spots” with paranormal activity, but are microbes to blame? While microbes can influence their surroundings, they do not significantly change air temperature. Some microbial processes, like photosynthesis, can absorb heat, but most microbes living in dark, enclosed spaces like basements do not rely on sunlight, so the effect is minimal.

However, as microbes break down organic material, they often release water vapor into the air. This raises humidity, making the air feel damp and heavy. While it does not lower the actual temperature, it can change how we perceive it. Moist air draws heat away from our skin more effectively than dry air, which can make us feel cooler, or even chilled, especially if we are already a bit cold or damp. That sudden chill might be mistaken for a ‘cold spot’.

Some VOCs, like alcohols, can speed up how quickly water evaporates from our skin. These compounds mix well with water and evaporate quickly, pulling heat away from our skin, which creates a slight cooling effect. Most VOCs don’t do this, but they can still make our skin feel cooler by tricking the body’s cold-sensitive receptors, even if they don’t remove any moisture. However, these effects are usually too small to notice without sensitive equipment. Cold spots or sudden chills are more likely caused by poor insulation, air drafts, or ventilation problems, not just by microbes.

Can Hydrogen Sulfide Mess with Our Senses?

Some bacteria, like Desulfovibrio, release hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)—that unmistakable rotten egg smell one might notice in sewers, stagnant water, and other low-oxygen environments. Even at low levels (up to 10 parts per million), inhaling it over time can leave us feeling dizzy, nauseous, confused, or give us a headache. At higher levels, H₂S becomes much more dangerous. It can stop the body from using oxygen properly, which may lead to unconsciousness—or worse. Even brief exposure to small amounts can be enough to make us feel strange or disoriented. In the right (or wrong) setting, like an old, damp basement, those unsettling sensations could easily be mistaken for something paranormal.

How CO₂ and Methane Can Play Tricks on Our Minds

In stuffy, poorly ventilated places like caves, old buildings, or underground spaces, microbes break down organic matter and release carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the air. High levels of CO₂ can affect our senses and thinking, causing confusion, anxiety, dizziness, trouble concentrating, or even hallucinations. However, the CO₂ we exhale contributes much more to indoor levels than microbial activity does.

Other microbes, like Methanobacterium and Methanosarcina, produce methane in low-oxygen environments such as swamps and landfills. Methane is not toxic on its own, but in enclosed spaces like basements or wells, it can displace the oxygen we need to breathe. This can leave us feeling lightheaded, foggy, or just not quite right. Fortunately, methane disperses quickly in open spaces, so it is unlikely to build up to dangerous levels.

Because multiple factors can cause symptoms related to high CO₂ or low oxygen, it is always wise to explore all possible explanations before blaming microorganisms or jumping to paranormal conclusions.

Will-o’-the-Wisps: The Science Behind the Mysterious Floating Lights

You have probably heard tales about strange, flickering lights called will-o’-the-wisps, floating above marshes, swamps, and cemeteries. Over the years, people have called them many names: Jack-o’-Lanterns, fairy lights, and the Latin term ignis fatuus, which means “foolish fire”​. These glowing orbs have baffled and even frightened people for centuries. Unlike regular flames, they glow without giving off heat, probably due to a chemical reaction called chemiluminescence.

At one time, scientists thought methane gas (CH₄)—produced by microbes breaking down dead plants and animals—was the cause. But methane does not ignite on its own; it needs a spark or heat source. This did not fully explain the sudden, eerie glow people have reported for generations.

A more likely explanation involves two other gases: phosphine (PH₃) and diphosphane (P₂H₄). These can form when microbes break down phosphorus-containing matter in environments with very little oxygen, like swamps or marshes. When these gases mix with air, they can spontaneously ignite, creating a brief, pale bluish glow. But because their levels are usually too low to sustain a flame, this could explain why will-o’-the-wisps seem to appear suddenly and vanish just as fast.

Even though scientists believe phosphine and diphosphane are the most likely cause of these mysterious lights, they are still studying exactly how the reaction works and what combination of gases is involved. Some researchers think other gases or chemical steps might also play a part.

Before science offered clues, people believed will-o’-the-wisps were wandering spirits, fairies, or omens meant to guide, or trick, night travellers. Today, we now know that these lights are most likely caused by natural chemical reactions started by microbes. It is a great example of how the strangest legends can have roots in science, and how nature still holds many surprises.

Bioluminescent Microbes: Nature’s Tiny Lanterns

Some microbes make their own light, glowing in the dark through a natural process called bioluminescence. This glow comes from a chemical reaction involving a special enzyme called luciferase. Glowing bacteria like Vibrio fischeri and Photobacterium phosphoreum mostly live in the ocean. They use their glow to attract prey or scare off predators. A few, like Photorhabdus luminescens, live in soil and form symbiotic relationships with insects and tiny worms called nematodes to survive.

When two different organisms live closely together and at least one benefits, it is called a symbiotic relationship.

Some fungi glow too! Mushrooms like Mycena chlorophos, Armillaria mellea, and the Jack-o’-Lantern mushrooms (Omphalotus olearius) grow on rotting wood and give off a soft green light, often called “foxfire”. You can usually spot this faint glow in damp, dark forests. It is easy to see how this ethereal light could have inspired ghost stories and folk tales.

In the ocean, tiny plankton called dinoflagellates like Noctiluca scintillans, Pyrocystis fusiformis, and Pyrodinium bahamense, light up when water is disturbed, creating glowing blue-green waves or tides that are visible at night. But since these organisms only live in the sea, they cannot explain mysterious glowing lights sometimes seen in forests or swamps. Some of those are more likely caused by igniting gases.

While bioluminescent microbes create some of nature’s most stunning light shows, they do not explain all the mysterious lights we see in nature.

Microbes and Mysterious Signals

Glowing microbes aren’t the only microorganisms creating riveting natural effects; some have even more unusual abilities that involve electricity. Certain microbes naturally generate small electrical currents and can interact with magnetic fields as part of their metabolism. While there is no evidence linking them to paranormal events, their electrical activity adds to the surrounding electromagnetic environment.

Microbes that Generate Electricity

Electroactive bacteria, like Geobacter and cable bacteria, generate and transfer electricity as they break down nutrients. These fantastic microbes are helping scientists develop green energy, clean up pollution, and recycle nutrients in nature.

Cable bacteria, such as Candidatus Electrothrix and Candidatus Electronema, form long threads that act like natural wires. These filaments move electrons across layers of underwater sediments, creating weak electrical fields that scientists can measure with specialized instruments. Unlike other electroactive bacteria that transfer electrons only over microscopic distances, cable bacteria can move them several centimeters. This is why scientists sometimes call them “living wires”. This electron movement helps break down harmful hydrogen sulfide in oxygen-poor sediments.

Another electricity-generating bacterium, Geobacter sulfurreducens, feeds on organic matter and transfers electrons to metals or electrodes. This allows it to live in environments without oxygen and “breath” metal oxides instead. It uses special, microscopic protein filaments, called nanowires, to conduct electricity. This ability helps it survive and makes it useful for cleaning up toxic metals in soil and sediments.

Can Electroactive Microbes Affect Electronics, or How We Feel?

So, could these electrical microbes cause our phones to glitch or make the lights flicker? It is an interesting thought, but not one supported by science. Even in large numbers, the electricity they generate is far too weak to interfere with electronic devices or influence our cognition or senses. However, microbes can still affect their surroundings in other ways. As they break down materials, they can raise humidity and cause mineral buildup, both of which can damage electronics over time.

Our brains also rely on electrical signals, and strong or rapidly changing electromagnetic fields can sometimes make people feel dizzy, confused, or cause mild hallucinations. But the electrical signals produced by microbes are not strong enough to do that.

So, while electroactive microbes do not directly disrupt electronics or alter our thoughts and perception, they can subtly influence the environment—making a space feel damp, stuffy, or even a bit unsettling. It is these indirect effects, not microbial electricity itself, that might shape how we experience certain places.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Microbes and the Mystery of Strange Places

Microbes are quietly at work inside and all around us, shaping our world in ways we often don’t notice. They can change the air we breathe, produce strange smells, and interact with their surroundings—including our minds—in ways that can make some places feel eerie or mysterious. While these effects might seem supernatural, science offers another perspective, showing how biology and the environment can influence our emotions, perception, and even our state of mind.
Still, microbes are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Our biology, personal experiences, beliefs, and even genetics all play a role in how we perceive the world. To understand why certain places feel intense or strange, we need to study how our environment, minds, and body chemistry all work together.

What Science Can Teach Us About Mysterious Places

Some places, like Skinwalker Ranch, are known for unexplained phenomena such as strange lights, unusual electromagnetic activity, and mysterious radiation spikes. While these events remain puzzling, it is quite possible that some of these environments might also support rare microbes adapted to survive extreme conditions. Microbes alone probably do not explain every strange event but studying them might lead to exciting new discoveries in science, medicine, and technology.

Looking at mysterious experiences through a scientific lens, especially microbiology, helps ground our curiosity in evidence. These tiny organisms might influence our senses and emotions in ways we are only beginning to understand.
So, the next time you hear a mysterious story or experience something that feels “off”, don’t be too quick to jump to conclusions or dismiss it as supernatural. Science encourages us to stay curious and keep asking questions. Because sometimes, the most compelling answers come from the invisible microbial universe, quietly surviving, adapting, and reshaping the environment we think we know.

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