Invisible Light Matters - Scott Zimmerman, DSPod #250
May 23, 2024
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Mechanical engineer Scott Zimmerman discusses the importance of near-infrared light for human health, the harmful effects of blue light, and how hormonal issues may be linked to modern lighting trends. Topics include skin as a light harvesting organ, the influence of sunlight on illness, and the transition from engineering to biology.
Near-infrared light from sunlight is crucial for human health.
Shift towards natural light exposure over artificial lighting for wellbeing.
Biological responses to light spectrum impact human health and hormonal balance.
Deep dives
The Effects of Near-Infrared Light on Human Health
The podcast episode delves into the impacts of near-infrared light on human health, emphasizing the importance of sunlight exposure. The conversation highlights how near-infrared radiation, though not visible to the naked eye, plays a significant role in our well-being. Understanding the propagation of light in the body and its biological implications sheds light on the efficiency and trade-offs the body makes in response to varying light spectrums. The discussion underscores the shift towards reevaluating technologically-driven lighting solutions in favor of embracing natural light exposure, particularly in natural environments.
The Relationship Between Sunlight Exposure and Biological Responses
The conversation explores the complex mechanisms of biological responses to sunlight exposure, raising questions about the balance between technological advancements in lighting and the body's innate response to natural light. Topics such as the impact of pollution and artificial lighting on human health, mitochondrial diseases, and hormonal imbalances are discussed. Insights into how the body's biological processes adapt to varying light spectrums and the consequences of prolonged solar spectrum alterations are examined.
Optical Engineering and Light Spectrum Understanding
The episode delves into the intricate world of optical engineering and light spectrum comprehension, unraveling the significance of structures like chloroplasts in plants and their role in optimizing light absorption. Detailed explanations are provided on the interplay between light wavelengths, the efficiency of different light sources, and the unique optical properties exhibited by melanin. The conversation delves into the design considerations for light-emitting devices and the potential biological impacts of light modulation in artificial lighting.
Implications of Light Modulation and Spectral Effects on Health
The podcast episode delves into the implications of light modulation and spectral effects on human health, emphasizing the importance of balanced light exposure. Discussions touch on the potential damaging effects of blue light, the efficiency of light sources in generating visible and near-infrared light, and the biological responses to varying light wavelengths. Insights into the intricate relationship between light spectrum design, biological responses, and the long-term health implications of artificial lighting practices are thoroughly examined.
Development of High Voltage DC Lamps
High voltage DC lamps have been developed to address the limitation of turning on and off in the DC. This development allows for better control over the ratio of near infrared to visible light and eliminates flickering issues. The combination of LED and filament technology in the same bulb has proven to be a simple yet effective solution.
Biological Effects of Light on Health
The podcast discusses the biological effects of different light sources on health, emphasizing the importance of balancing near infrared and visible light. The conversation delves into how natural light exposure, including near infrared and UV light, can impact physiological processes such as ATP production and promote optimal hormonal balance for overall well-being.
Scott Zimmerman is a mechanical engineer whose life took a sharp turn when he started to think about the relationship indoor lighting, biology, and solar radiation. He believes that near-infrared light, an invisible component of sunlight from ~800 to 3,000 micrometer wavelengths, is vital for human health. Unfortunately, these are the exact frequencies that our indoor lights and digital devices are incapable of producing. Zimmerman believes that the shift away from incandescent lighting inside of homes has contributes massively to wide-spread hormonal issues in modern population. His mechanism is that our skin, the largest endocrine gland in the universe, is actually a light harvesting organ that uses all the components of light to produce everything from sex hormones to vitamin D. We talk to him about the effect of sunlight on the human body, how he transitioned from mechanical engineering to making lightbulbs, the active harm of blue light, and much more.Tell us your thoughts in the comments!!!
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00:00 Go!
00:03:50 A monstrous change in solar spectrum
00:08:11 A shift from engineering to biology
00:18:37 The influence of near-infrared
00:27:52 Free radical generation in the skin
00:38:05 Melanin, Melatonin, and Sunlight network
00:46:48 A solar influence on illness?
00:56:17 Why is blue light so damaging?
01:03:15 Designing a better bulb
01:12:40 Adding UV into indoor lighting?
01:22:32 Are the eyes made for gathering invisible light?
01:32:20 Medical sensitivites to EMF
01:39:21 Closing thoughts
#sciencepodcast #NearInfraredLight #SunlightTherapy #LightHarvesting #SkinEndocrineGland #HormoneHealth #VitaminDProduction #BluelightHazards #MissingLightSpectrum #CircadianDisruption #IndoorLightingImpact #HolisticWellness #RediscoverSunlight #EngineerTurnedLightExpert #RevolutionaryLighting #ModernLightingParadigm
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