Research

Quantum mechanics tells us that light behaves as both a particle and a wave, and scientists have tried to observe both aspects at the same time. In 2015, scientists at the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne in Switzerland achieved a snapshot capturing both properties. Learn more here.

Researchers have discovered that pulsing light reduces toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease in laboratory mice, raising hopes of future application to humans. Click here to learn more.

New LED lights that are being installed in milk display cases across the country do more than just reduce energy bills — they also help milk taste better, Virginia Tech researchers have found. The exposure to certain light changes the flavor profile of milk. Milk fresh from the dairy should taste sweet and rich but [...]

Below is one of my contributions to the January issue of tED Magazine, the official publication of the NAED. Reprinted with permission. A study recently published in the journal Lighting Research & Technology explored human preference related to light source color. The results challenge the ability of the color rendering index (CRI) metric to predict [...]

Architects are calling on manufacturers of building products and materials to advance their digital capabilities, as well as their ability to consult and advise customers in the many phases of construction projects, according to a study published by The American Institute of Architects (AIA). The Architect’s Journey to Specification assesses the cultural, technical, and informational [...]

Light is not only a source of energy for plants but also an important signal which regulates many light-dependent growth processes allowing it to effectively adapt to its environment. Light is first detected by photoreceptors in the shoot of a plant. For more than three decades, scientists have been speculating whether roots are also able [...]

As part of current research sponsored by Southern California Edison, the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) is updating its Advanced Daylighting Lab to include dynamic fenestration and integration of electric lighting and HVAC systems. Activities are being conducted in collaboration with ready-to-integrate manufacturing partners so that new systems can more quickly and effectively transition to [...]

Lighting tailored to the needs of an individual can improve sleep and reduce depression and agitation in persons with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study led by Dr. Mariana Figueiro, Light & Health Program Director at the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. The study, published in the April [...]

Linear or tubular LED lamps (TLEDs) typically draw about 60% of the power of linear fluorescents and have become a viable retrofit option. DOE’s CALiPER program has released a new Snapshot report on TLEDs that’s based on LED Lighting Facts data. Among the key findings: • TLEDs now comprise more than 50% of all lamps [...]