Translational &
Clinical Research

Our circadian, broad-spectrum lighting system is programmed to contain more of the wavelengths found in the full spectrum of natural sunlight. Building on basic research findings, the Science of Light Center uses these lights in a variety of research and clinical settings to explore how specific wavelengths affect circadian rhythms, physiological pathways, and human physical and mental health. By translating these findings into health-supportive lighting environments, we aim to better understand how light can support appropriate development, medical care, long-term health and prevent disease.

Current Clinical Studies

Our ongoing research initiatives bridge basic light science with direct patient care and everyday environments. Learn more below about our current studies.

Impact of Broad-Spectrum Light on Markers of Metabolic Regulation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Babies receiving care in the Level IV CCHMC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are there for a variety of reasons, from complications of prematurity to complex genetic conditions or diseases. The intensive medical environment of a Level IV NICU comes with prolonged separation from the outside world, more limited parental interaction, and numerous stressors associated with a system of care focused on life-saving medical intervention. During this critical window of growth and development, these environmental stressors can put infants at risk for compromised long-term health and developmental outcomes.

One important feature of the NICU environment is artificial lighting, which differs significantly from natural sunlight and is missing some of the violet and indigo wavelengths that are present in the natural light environment. We are conducting a study to examine whether circadian, broad-spectrum lighting that restores more of these wavelengths can support the metabolic health of these vulnerable infants.

For this study, we compare circadian, broad-spectrum lighting to conventional NICU lighting. During this time, we collect biological samples to compare markers related to metabolic health under the two lighting conditions. Through this work, we hope to better understand how the spectrum of light in the NICU environment may influence metabolism, circadian biology, and long-term health and development.

Spectral Lighting in Metabolism (SLiM)

What if the light around you plays a role in your metabolism?

Most modern indoor lighting differs from natural sunlight in important ways, including the absence of some of the shorter violet and indigo wavelengths found outdoors. Basic science research suggests that these wavelengths may interact with light-sensitive pathways in the body that help regulate metabolism and other aspects of human physiology.

Our Spectral Lighting in Metabolism study is exploring how these differences in light spectrum affect people. Adults spent time in our research clinic under both conventional indoor lighting and our circadian, broad-spectrum lighting system, which more closely reflects the spectrum of natural sunlight. We collected biological and physiological measurements to examine how the body responds under the two lighting conditions.

The study asks a simple but important question: Could the spectrum of light in our everyday environments influence metabolic health?

Light Start: Spectral Lighting in Early Childhood Education

How might the light children experience every day shape early development?

Natural light changes throughout the day in ways that most indoor lighting does not, shifting in both intensity and spectrum and including wavelengths that are often reduced or absent indoors. For young children who spend much of their day in classrooms, these differences may be especially important during a period of rapid growth and development.

LightStart: The Spectral Lighting in Early Childhood Development study is exploring how bringing classroom lighting closer to the qualities and daily patterns of natural light may influence children’s health and development. Working in a real-world early childhood setting, we are studying how different lighting environments may relate to areas such as sleep, attention, behavior, and overall well-being.

At the heart of this work is a simple question: As children spend more of their early lives indoors, what role might the light around them play in healthy development?

Advance The Light of Science with Us

We invite potential participants, clinicians, and researchers to join our multidisciplinary mission. Together, we are translating basic light science into real-world health impact for patients and the broader community.

Research Inquiries