

87. Biology of Human-Friendly Lighting | Scott Zimmerman & Andrew LaTour
79 snips Jan 27, 2025
Scott Zimmerman, an optics engineer and founder of Naira, along with Andrew LaTour, a photobiomodulation expert and founder of Gemba Red, delve into the health impacts of indoor lighting. They highlight how near-infrared light deficiencies contribute to health issues and disrupt sleep. The duo discusses the importance of mimicking natural light for enhancing well-being, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of red light therapy. They also explore how modern lighting technologies can better align with our biological needs, promoting optimal circadian rhythms and overall health.
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Combating Overregulation
- Push back against government overreach in lighting regulations, like the DOE's lumen-per-watt rule change.
- Advocate for less government intervention in technology development to foster innovation and competition.
NIR Deficiency
- Near-infrared (NIR) deficiency, stemming from reduced exposure to incandescent bulbs and natural light, impacts health.
- Red light therapy and NIR-incorporating bulbs can help address this deficiency and improve well-being.
Delayed Light Therapy Response
- The body responds to light therapy in a delayed manner, with peak ATP production occurring hours after treatment.
- Think of light therapy as flipping a switch that triggers a cascade of effects rather than real-time charging.