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 [...]

  One of the latest crazes in sleep gadgets is red light sleep devices. The trend was inspired by NASA red light sleep devices for astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS system turns on blue lights to simulate morning and help astronauts wake up, white light to create daytime, and red light [...]

On June 4, 2024, Fitwel, a leading global healthy building certification, released Version 3 (“v3”) of its standard. This update strives to incorporate the latest public health research to optimize real estate assets for health and quality of life, future-proof them for climate adaptation, and maximize real estate value. Overall, the Fitwel standard is guided [...]

On May 24, 2024, the FDA denied all Soft Lights Foundation petitions to regulate LED products, in a letter. According to The Soft Lights Foundation website, “The decision by the FDA to not regulate LED products and to not collaborate with any other federal agency illegally pushes regulation of LED products onto state and local governments.” As [...]

  IES has published ANSI/IES RP-46-23, Recommended Practice: Supporting the Physiological and Behavioral Effects of Lighting in Interior Daytime Environments. It is designed to be a companion to IES TM-18, translating the basic science of how light affects visual, circadian, neuroendocrine, and neurobehavioral responses in daytime interior environments, such as schools and offices. This recommended practice (RP) [...]

  I watched the virtual presentation, Better Than Blue Light, by Dr. Jay Neitz of the University of Washington last week that was presented by LEDucation. I’m not an expert on Light + Health, but I’ll try to explain it as best I can. Dr. Neitz claims that particular combinations of blue and yellow light [...]

Here is a summary of the WELL Building Standard Version 2.0 Lighting Requirements: Feature L01: Light Exposure – Provide indoor light exposure through daylight and electric light strategies. Option 1: Daylight simulation The project demonstrates, through computer simulations, that one of the following conditions are achievedOption 2: Interior layout One of the following requirements is [...]

    A small town in the Netherlands, Zuidhoek-Nieuwkoop, has become the first town in the world to install red street lights. The primary motivation was to protect local, rare bat populations. The red light isn’t perceived by the bats but allows humans to see at night. The red street lights are manufactured by the [...]