Light + Health

  The DOE’s new CALiPER testing report on upper-room Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) luminaires highlights significant advancements and persistent challenges in this technology. Upper-room GUV, recommended by both ASHRAE and the CDC, has shown promise in delivering substantial energy savings while meeting ASHRAE Standard 241 and CDC ventilation targets without requiring major HVAC upgrades. Key findings [...]

  A new study investigates the effects of near-infrared radiation (NIR) in ambient indoor lighting on human cognitive performance, emotional state, and cardiovascular health. The research addresses the absence of NIR in modern electric lighting systems and energy-efficient windows, despite its biological activity and therapeutic applications. In a preregistered within-subjects double-blind experiment, 151 university students [...]

  The current knowledge about the impact of light on myopia development is extensive: Light Intensity and Outdoor Exposure Outdoor light exposure has been consistently linked to a reduced risk of myopia onset and progression in children. This protective effect is primarily attributed to: Higher light intensity outdoors (10,000-100,000+ lux) compared to indoor environments (10-1000 [...]

  New research indicates that light therapy can reset circadian rhythms in long-COVID patients, significantly improving sleep and overall quality of life. Unexpected improvements in depression, anxiety, and brain fog also resulted from the light therapy. The study was published by Willis, G.L., Endo, T. & Sakoda, S. Circadian re-set repairs long-COVID in a prodromal Parkinson’s [...]

The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Energy Efficient End-Use Equipment (4E) Platform on Smart Sustainability in Lighting and Controls (SSLC Platform) has published a comprehensive review of the scientific knowledge acquired over the last decade on the effects of solid state lighting (SSL) on human health. This report is primarily intended to support policymakers but can [...]

  The American Lighting Association (ALA) has launched a program designed to define and promote circadian lighting for the home. The program is called Better Light, Better Sleep, and it was created with technical support from the Light and Health Research Center (LHRC) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York [...]

When the glass lamp envelope of a Mercury Vapor (MV) or Metal Halide (MH) lamp is broken, but continues to operate, the quartz arc tube inside emits significant levels of UV radiation that are a danger when there is direct exposure to eyes or skin. Normally, the glass lamp envelope filters the UV radiation and [...]

  Optogenetics is a scientific field and set of tools that shines light on genetically modified cells to activate channels within the cells to make them more or less active. The light is often introduced with surgically implanted optical fibers through which laser light is passed into highly targeted regions containing the genetically modified cells. [...]

Quantas Airlines is receiving its first delivery of ultra long-haul aircrafts from Airbus in mid-2026, the Airbus A350-1000. The new planes, dubbed Project Sunrise, will enable flights from Sydney to London and New York. Among many new features on the Quantas A350s will be a new circadian lighting system with claims that helps passengers arrive [...]