Light Therapy News and Research

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Light Therapy is the treatment of disease with certain types of light. Light therapy can use lasers, LED, fluorescent lamps, and ultraviolet or infrared radiation. Also called phototherapy.

Disrupted sleep-wake rhythms linked to liver disease progression

The prevalence of MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) is exploding in most regions of the world, boosted by increased obesity and sedentary lifestyles. MASLD (formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is already the most common liver disorder: it affects 30% of adults and between 7% and 14% of children and adolescents, and this prevalence is predicted to rise to more than 55% of adults by 2040.

4 Dec 2024

Disrupted sleep patterns identified in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

The prevalence of MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) is exploding in most regions of the world, boosted by increased obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

2 Dec 2024

Understanding the role of sleep in dementia and associated illnesses

A new review was published on the cover of Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science) Volume 16, Issue 21, titled, "Sleep deprivation in dementia comorbidities: focus on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety/depression and thyroid disorders."

2 Dec 2024

Two topical treatments show similar benefits for photoaging of the hands

Topically applied products containing human platelet extract or vitamin C provide similar improvements in age spots (photoaging) of the hands, as reported in a clinical trial within the November issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

1 Nov 2024

At-home phototherapy proves effective for psoriasis treatment

For decades, people with psoriasis have been treated in clinics with narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy, or light therapy, to reduce sores, scales, and inflammation.

24 Oct 2024

Hormone hepcidin identified as potential trigger for psoriasis

Scientists may have uncovered the root cause of psoriasis, a chronic and sometimes debilitating skin disease that affects 2-3% of the global population. The condition is characterized by red, scaly patches that impact the quality of a patient's life and can sometimes be life-threatening.

26 Sep 2024

Expanding horizons in Parkinson's disease care with non-pharmacological interventions

The field of non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) is reaching maturity and has the potential to substantially improve patient care in the future.

13 Aug 2024

Light therapy may affect healing in the brains of people who suffered traumatic brain injury

Low-level light therapy appears to affect healing in the brains of people who suffered significant brain injuries, according to a study published today in Radiology, a journal of the Radiological Society of North America.

28 May 2024

Red light therapy shown to significantly reduce blood sugar spikes, study finds

Using red light of 670 nm wavelength impacted the circulating glucose levels in the plasma, using oral glucose tolerance tests.

23 Feb 2024

Red light therapy lowers blood sugar and mitigates glucose spikes

The researchers found that 670 nanometers (nm) of red light stimulated energy production within mitochondria, the tiny powerhouses within cells, leading to increased consumption of glucose. In particular, it led to a 27.7% reduction in blood glucose levels following glucose intake, and it reduced maximum glucose spiking by 7.5%.

20 Feb 2024

Sleep-circadian disturbances can trigger or worsen a range of psychiatric disorders

Problems with our sleep and internal body clock can trigger or worsen a range of psychiatric disorders, according to a new review of recent research evidence.

19 Feb 2024

UH optometry researcher warns against the use of low-level red light therapy to control myopia

A University of Houston optometry researcher is warning against the use of low-level red light (LLRL) therapy as a method to control myopia, or nearsightedness, especially in children.

29 Jan 2024

Study investigates the connection between changing light levels and mental health

In Finland, there is a clear increase in the number of sick days taken due to depression, anxiety and sleep disorders in October and November, whereas the number of absences is lower than expected between June and September.

20 Dec 2023

Photobiomodulation in Alzheimer's mouse model falls short in preventive impact

Study assesses the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and finds no significant impact on behavioral performance or neurodegeneration, suggesting the need for further research into PBM's therapeutic potential.

16 Nov 2023

Mount Sinai secures $6.2 million grant to expand the Cohen Center for Recovery From Complex Chronic Illnesses

Mount Sinai's Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance has announced a $6.2 million grant from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation.

20 Sep 2023

Flash therapy may offer a practical option to delay the circadian clock in shift workers and jet travelers

Researchers examined whether flash therapy, given during sleep, changed the sleep architecture to shift the human circadian clock.

6 Sep 2023

Sleep dysfunction is underreported and underrecognized in Huntington's disease

A good night's sleep is essential for everyone. In individuals with Huntington’s disease (HD), sleep disturbances constitute an additional burden that may exacerbate disease outcomes and impact patients’ quality of life.

21 Aug 2023

Low-dose atropine eyedrops not effective in slowing myopia progression in children

A study conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and 11 other hospitals and practices across the United States shows that use of low-dose atropine eyedrops, commonly used in a higher dose to treat lazy eye, was no better than a placebo at slowing myopia (nearsightedness) progression and elongation of the eye among children treated for two years.

1 Aug 2023

Enhanced light sensitivity may worsen Alzheimer's symptoms

New Alzheimer’s research from UVA Health suggests that enhanced light sensitivity may contribute to “sundowning” – the worsening of symptoms late in the day – and spur sleep disruptions thought to contribute to the disease’s progression.

28 Jul 2023

Unique plant extract mixture has potent anti-acne effects

Researchers evaluate the efficacy of FRO, a formula composed of fermented Rhus verniciflua Stokes and Orostachys japonicus, against acne pathogenesis via antimicrobial assessment and an in vitro analysis. FRO was found to contain phenolics such as gallic acid, fisetin, quercetin, and kaempferol and was determined to alleviate acne by inhibiting the growth of Cutibacterium acnes, inflammation, and excess sebum.

9 Jul 2023