Bright Light Research Articles

Atypical visual exploration is widely reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet little is known about how chromatic properties modulate oculomotor behaviour. This study aims to address this problem. We recorded eye movements from 34 children with ASD (6-16 y) and 40 age-matched typically developing (TD) peers while they viewed six picture sets that independently manipulated hue, luminance and saturation. Nine eye-movement metrics were extracted per task and analysed with mixed-effects ANOVAs; false-discovery-rate control (q = .05) and Holm-Bonferroni corrections were applied across 54 planned tests. Across all tasks, the ASD group showed a 29% reduction in total fixation time (F = 11.13, q < .001; pHolm < .001†), a 19% reduction in fixation count (F = 5.88, q = .027), and 42% fewer saccades (F = 16.06, q < .001; pHolm < .001†). Individual fixations were shorter (F = 8.40, q < .001; pHolm < .001†). These differences generalised across all areas of interest. Stimulus-specific analyses revealed that highly saturated images amplified group differences in fixation metrics, whereas hue and luminance manipulations produced parallel but smaller effects. Children with ASD allocate less dwell time and execute fewer, briefer fixations and saccades, especially when stimuli are highly saturated. Because effects persisted after stringent multiple-comparison correction and were independent of pupil size, they likely reflect how brightness changes guide eye movements and moment-to-moment arousal.

Tin-halide perovskites have attracted considerable attention as near-infrared emitters due to their environmentally benign composition, optimal bandgap, and ultrafast radiative recombination kinetics. However, achieving bright and efficient emission from tin perovskite films remains challenging due to facile Sn2+ oxidation and uncontrolled crystallization, which often results in small grains (<100nm) and high defect density. Here, a surface-templated strategy for the growth of heterodimensional epitaxial CsSnI3 microcrystalline cubes is reported. These single-crystalline three-dimensional domains, together with a buried-interface two-dimensional epitaxial passivation layer, effectively suppress tin oxidation and minimize defect density. As a result, the fabricated infrared Light-Emitting Diode achieves a radiance of 152W sr-1 m-2 and an external quantum efficiency of 8.11%, establishing a new benchmark for bright and efficient lead-free near-infrared light emitters.

Dipyrone induces sex-dependent latent sensitization in a preclinical model of medication overuse headache.

Introduction: In recent years carbon dots (CDs) have attracted researchers due to their unique physicochemical and fluorescent (FL) features, which can be applied in many fields such as battery materials, fluorescence sensing, display, biological imaging and photocatalysis. Method: We prepared CDs by using a facile one-step sintering method. The fluorescent properties and the application of pH detection were measured and analyzed. Results: The results show that CDs emit bright purplish-blue light centred at 425 nm excited by 355 nm UV light. FL intensity shows a linear relationship with pH values at 1~4 and 7~11, respectively. The reasonable mechanism of the tested effective pH sensitivity is discussed. Conclusion: Our study shows that the CDs prepared by the one-step sintering method have great potential to be used as pH sensors for physiochemical measurements.

One of the most usual eye diseases is cataracts and individuals get during their aged and it happens whenever the eye lens forms a fog. Major symptoms and signs of the disorder include blurry vision, difficulty in looking bright light and fading colors. These symptoms are commonly associated with difficulty accomplishing a variety of tasks. Thus, early cataract detection and treatment may help to reduce the incidence of blindness. The present research employs Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to classify cataract illness using a publicly accessible image dataset. The suggested CNN combines the MobileNet as Transfer Learning (TL) benefits with CNN as pre-trained for obtaining better feature understanding of data that correlate among the patches. When compared to traditional diagnosis techniques, image classification using CNN is a potentially high-performing and cost-effective solution. Thus, the current research aims to develop a technique for cataracts prediction. Normal human being may have difficulty in detecting early and slight modifications in the optic disc. This research work has access in identifying the cataract using fundus images are identified with respect to a complete ophthalmologic examination. Hence, the encoder of Deep Learning (DL) may be trained basic features in fundus images for individuals with early stage cataracts.

Cardiovascular and metabolic health are influenced by the circadian system, which regulates 24-hour rhythms across numerous physiologic processes. Disruptions to circadian rhythmicity can adversely affect cardiometabolic function and health. Given the importance of circadian health to overall human health, this scientific statement provides an overview of the circadian system and key behavioral factors that can synchronize or desynchronize these rhythms, including light exposure, food intake, physical exercise, and sleep timing. We also summarize the literature on associations between circadian health and cardiometabolic health indicators, such as excessive weight, type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. We discuss strategies to improve circadian health and reduce circadian disruptions, focusing on interventions that target the key synchronizers of circadian rhythms and involve appropriate timing of exposure to these synchronizers. These include morning bright light exposure and avoidance of light at night, as well as appropriately timed sleep, meals, and exercise. Clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and the public should recognize the role of circadian rhythms in maintaining and promoting cardiometabolic health and focus on identifying modifiable behaviors that can improve them.

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal dystrophy characterised by the progressive loss of rod photoreceptors. Sector RP is a form of RP where degeneration originates in the inferior retina, mainly influenced by light exposure. Over 200 RHO variants are pathogenic and associated with autosomal dominant RP. RHOM39R is one of the most common RHO variants linked to sector RP in the UK. A knock-in (KI) mouse model expressing RhoM39R was generated and characterised to investigate the mechanisms of degeneration associated with this variant and explore novel therapeutic strategies for rhodopsin sector RP. Under cyclic ambient light, RhoM39R/+ KI mice exhibited impaired retinal function by ERG, with some defects in OS ultrastructure, but retained normal outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness. Repeated exposure to bright light led to photoreceptor loss. In contrast, RhoM39R/M39R KI mice in cyclic ambient light displayed severe retinal dysfunction, ONL thinning, and grossly abnormal OS ultrastructure. In homozygous mice, a single bright light exposure significantly reduced ONL thickness within 48 h. The rescue of these models was achieved through reduced light exposure and pharmacological intervention. Rearing in dim red light (red cage condition) restored ERG responses in RhoM39R/+ KI mice and improved ONL thickness in RhoM39R/M39R KI mice. Transcriptomic analysis in RhoM39R/M39R KI mice revealed upregulation of Sphingosine 1-P Receptor (S1pr) transcripts. Treatment with the S1PR agonist Fingolimod (FTY720) before bright light exposure significantly reduced degeneration, demonstrating a protective effect in both heterozygous and homozygous models and suggesting potential as a therapeutic approach for sector RP patients.

BackgroundBright Light Therapy (BLT) is an effective treatment for various mood disorders, but challenges remain in optimizing its real-world administration, predicting individual responses, and understanding its mechanisms.MethodsThis multicenter randomized controlled trial will enroll 231 patients with unipolar or bipolar depression, all currently experiencing a depressive episode. Participants will be randomized to one of three BLT interventions: (1) traditional home-based BLT, (2) BLT administered in the LightCafé—a novel setting promoting social interaction and lifestyle support, or (3) LightCafé BLT with personalized timing of both light and darkness by adding the use of blue light blocking glasses. The treatment duration will range from one to three weeks, based on preset definitions of participant’s response. The primary outcome is the change in depressive symptoms, assessed by a blinded rater. Secondary outcomes include subjective and objective sleep measures, circadian rhythm parameters from melatonin patterns and actigraphy, and functional outcomes. Change processes will be assessed using ecological momentary assessments of daily affect and energy levels, light exposure sensors, and via brain imaging.DiscussionThis trial is the first to directly compare different BLT administration models, including a LightCafé setting. It aims to identify predictors of BLT response, investigate chronobiological and neurobiological mechanisms, and provide insights to optimize BLT for diverse patient populations. The results will inform clinical guidelines and enhance BLT's accessibility and effectiveness.Trial registrationRegistered on July 14, 2023, at clinicaltrials.gov under number NCT05958940.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-025-08984-7.

BackgroundFibromyalgia, the quintessential nociplastic pain condition, affects more than 20 million Americans and results in significant disability, lost productivity, and poor quality of life, with profound individual and societal cost. As pharmacological treatment approaches offer only modest benefits and result in a high rate of discontinuation due to adverse effects, nonpharmacological interventions such as physical therapy, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy are recommended. However, cost and access to these treatments can create barriers to care, and engagement can be problematic. Morning bright light treatment is a promising option for improving fibromyalgia symptoms, with early studies indicating clinically meaningful improvements in fibromyalgia symptoms.ObjectiveThis study aims to prospectively examine the potential benefits and active elements of morning bright light treatment and sleep timing stabilization for individuals with fibromyalgia in the largest randomized controlled trial to date.MethodsWe will recruit 390 adults who meet diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and report at least mild symptoms. Participants will be randomized to one of three groups: 4 weeks of morning bright light treatment (1 hour per day, using a commercially available Re-timer device), 4 weeks of sleep timing stabilization alone (a component of morning bright light treatment, some benefit anticipated), or 4 weeks of treatment as usual, with equivalent study contact. Patient-reported outcomes of function and pain will be assessed before and after treatment, with mood, sleep quality, and morningness-eveningness examined as potential mediators of treatment effects. Social determinants of health risk will be examined as a potential moderator influencing baseline symptoms, treatment engagement, and treatment response.ResultsData collection began in September 2024 and is projected to end in March 2029.ConclusionsMorning bright light treatment is well-positioned to be an effective nonpharmacological treatment for fibromyalgia with minimal side effects. The study findings will provide important insights relevant to the development of morning bright light treatment as an accessible treatment for chronic nociplastic pain.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06567886; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06567886International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/75060

High bright mono-coloured light delivery by confined laser dyes within single and dimeric silicon photonics nanoplatforms for Bio-FRET speciation assays

All-inorganic zero-dimensional (0D) metal halides have emerged as promising candidates for lighting and anticounterfeiting applications due to their self-trapped exciton (STE) emission characteristics and relatively low toxicity. However, the effective modulation of single-phosphor emission remains a major challenge in the field of optical materials. Here, we unveil excitation-dependent emission modulation in 0D rare-earth metal halide Cs2ScCl5·H2O microcrystals (MCs) via Zr4+ ion doping. Under 260 nm UV excitation, Zr4+-doped Cs2ScCl5·H2O MCs exhibit intense blue emission with a remarkable photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 87%. Notably, excitation at 272 nm induces a pronounced red-shift in the emission, yielding bright neutral white light while maintaining a high PLQY of 85%. Spectroscopic and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the tunable emission properties of Zr4+-doped Cs2ScCl5·H2O MCs arise from the coexistence of two distinct STE states. The high-energy blue emission is attributed to STE1 states, which are formed through strong electron-phonon coupling within the [ZrCl5·H2O]- octahedron units. Furthermore, efficient energy transfers from Zr4+-associated STE1 states to the host-derived STE2 states enhance yellow emission. White light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) based on Zr4+-doped Cs2ScCl5·H2O MCs are explored with color rendering index of 90.5 and color coordinate of (0.32, 0.33), which are very close to ideal white-light emission. This work proposes an innovative strategy for designing a novel 0D metal halide capable of achieving efficient single-component phosphor emission modulation.

Developing smart luminescent materials with off-on switchable responsiveness, which enables dark-to-bright state transitions in response to external stimuli, has garnered great interest across various domains. However, most of the reported systems with only monochromatic switching have limited their expansion toward advanced applications. Herein, a pressure-treated strategy is introduced to initially non-emissive isonicotinic acid (INA), achieving controllable switching from the dark state to high-quality multicolor emissions (i.e., blue, white, and yellow light). Experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that pressure-treated engineering can effectively modulate the intermolecular charge transfer strength within and between layers, enabling controlled emission color switching. Notably, the bright white light with CIE coordinates (0.31, 0.37) and the yellow light with CIE coordinates (0.42, 0.45) are retained under ambient conditions. The findings not only impart new vitality to nonemissive organic small molecules but also offer a new perspective for designing smart luminescent materials with multicolor and controllable properties.

Individuals who experience subjective sensory sensitivities can experience aversion, discomfort or distraction in the presence of sensory stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells. This qualitative analysis took a diagnosis-independent approach to understand the lived experience of sensory sensitivities in 713 individuals. Participants’ descriptions of the effect of their sensitivities on their daily lives were multi-faceted. Themes derived using template thematic analysis centred on sensitivities as limiting social and functional capabilities, creating challenges in personal relationships, and being described as effortful and exhausting. Diverse coping mechanisms were explained, including limiting sensory input, sensory stimulation, self-regulation and the role of others. Participants also described exacerbating factors that were both situational (e.g. focused tasks and crowds) and internal (e.g. stress and fatigue). Physical locations described as challenging were also identified to provide targets for sensory accommodations; these included schools, workplaces and shops. This work underscores the diverse and clear impact subjective sensitivities can have and highlights a need to acknowledge sensory differences outside of diagnostic silos to support wellbeing. Lay Abstract Many people feel overwhelmed by things like loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells; this is known as sensory sensitivity. It is common but we know relatively little about how much these experiences can affect daily life. In this study, 713 people shared their personal experiences with sensory sensitivities. By analysing their answers, we found that sensory sensitivities can make it harder for people to socialise, study, work or do everyday tasks like shopping or cooking. People described how these sensitivities often lead to them feeling exhausted or needing time alone to recover. People also told us that their reactions to sensory input could cause tension in their relationships. Some situations made these experiences worse. For example, being tired, stressed or in busy, unpredictable environments. People used different strategies to cope, such as wearing earplugs or sunglasses, avoiding certain places, using calming techniques like deep breathing, or seeking support from people around them. People said that places like schools, workplaces and shops could be particularly difficult for them to be in. Importantly, this study showed that sensory sensitivities can be experienced by many different people, including those without any diagnoses or areas of neurodivergence. By listening to their voices, we can better understand what makes environments difficult and how we might make public spaces more comfortable and inclusive for everyone.

Abstract Ferromagnetic polaron couplings (FMP) and antiferromagnetic polaron (AMP) couplings from the transition metal (TM) have been studied in zero dimensional or three dimensional photoluminescent structure. However, there is still some photoluminescence phenomena relate to FMP and AMP in photoluminescent layer structure are often overlooked. Based on this situation, we focus on layer PA2CdCl4: Fe (III) structure. In this work, we find out the doped Fe(III) ions easily replace the Cd-Cd pairs in the inorganic layer to form ferromagnetic Fe-Fe pairs in minor Fe ion doped PA2CdCl4 and varied magnetic Fe-Fe pairs in rich Fe ion doped PA2CdCl4. The ferromagnetic polaron couplings dominant the enhancement red emission in poor Fe ion doped layer PA2CdCl4 causing by the self-trapped exciton (STE) emission accidentally coincides with the emission of ferromagnetic (FM) Fe-Fe pairs. The varied magnetic polaron dominant one blue emission causing by the Zhang-Rice AFM state (Fe-Cl-Fe) together with the Fe-aniline charge-transfer band, the other one red emission come from FMP together with STE. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation result of FM and AFM PA2CdCl4: Fe (III) structure also proves 1) the direct Fe-Fe ferromagnetic coupling would overlap with the STE state from [CdCl6]4- cluster for favored red emission. 2) the electrons of N in aniline occupy Fe-3d orbitals formed the its transfer band and dominated in the blue emission processes. A bright blue light afterglow can also be observed from the PA2CdCl4:Fe(III) structure with rich antiferromagnetic polaron (AMP) couplings after UV lamp off, makes the PA2CdCl4:Fe(III) structure promising in the field of time-dependent photoluminescence. This work would help to understand the electronic structures, optical properties and photoluminescence behaviors of 2D magnetic semiconductors.

Synergistic luminescence enhancement in bi-sensitized praseodymium-doped barium cerates: Implications for white light emission in optoelectronics.

The physiology of dark adaptation: Progress and future directions.

The Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises. v. Raimondo overturned Chevron deference. In doing so, Loper Bright loosed chaos into many areas of administrative law, including tax. Indeed, the majority opinion in Loper Bright undid Chevron but left open the question of what the actual standard of review is, namely, whether it is de novo or Skidmore applies. Tax too will suffer some of the chaos, especially as courts work out the matters. But both the positive citation in the opinion of Skidmore along with some of the language supporting long-standing regulations that are contemporaneously promulgated with the statute’s enactment will help, intimating a slight revival of the old National Muffler test. Additionally, some of the discussions on giving agencies more leeway on delegated matters should also help in the tax area. Furthermore, given the messy and technical nature of tax law, many judges may be willing to allow the IRS’s and Treasury’s interpretations to stay in place unless a hot-button political matter is involved. But expect there to be major fights. One area where we could see some of these matters play out is in transfer pricing, which is a huge and complicated regulatory area. Treasury’s moves toward things like formulary appointment and away from the arm’s-length standard will likely get struck down as ultra vires. In the end, while Loper Bright creates significant chaos now, some of it will eventually wane. And in the end while there will be some stability restored and generally a decent range given to the agencies, expect some bumpiness in the coming years.

Autistic people face persistent barriers to accessing healthcare, yet little is known about their experiences receiving eye care, despite elevated rates of vision conditions. This convergent mixed-methods study explored the eye care experiences of 127 autistic adults and 69 parents of autistic children living in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Through an online survey incorporating both structured and open-ended items, we examined access patterns, perceived barriers and enablers, and unmet needs. Quantitative data revealed widespread challenges, including sensory discomfort, communication difficulties, and financial costs, while qualitative responses foregrounded how provider interaction, clinical pacing, and environmental conditions shaped overall experience. Although participants valued clearer communication and sensory-informed adjustments, these were described as insufficient in the face of structural barriers such as affordability and inaccessible service locations. These findings align with emerging models of autism-informed healthcare that advocate for systemic, rather than ad hoc, approaches to accessibility. Our results underscore the need for proactive, cross-sector solutions developed in partnership with autistic people, which embed neurodiversity-affirming principles into eye care design, delivery, and policy. Addressing these inequities is both an ethical and practical imperative if we are to ensure that eye care services are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to diverse ways of being.Lay abstractAutistic people often face barriers when using healthcare services, but little is known about their experiences with eye care. This is important because autistic people are more likely to have vision problems like needing glasses, having a lazy eye, or having trouble with how their eyes work together. In this study, we asked 127 autistic adults and 69 parents of autistic children in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand about their experiences receiving eye care. People completed an online survey that included multiple-choice questions and space to describe their experiences in their own words. Many participants said that eye care could be stressful or confusing. Common challenges included unclear instructions, bright lights, noisy environments, feeling rushed, and staff not understanding autism. Some people avoided going to eye care professionals altogether because they could not afford glasses or found the environment too overwhelming. Participants said that small changes like using plain language, giving more time, and creating a calm environment helped make care more accessible. However, these small changes were not always enough, especially when services were too expensive or hard to get to. To improve access to eye care, changes need to happen at all levels, including how clinics are designed and how staff are trained. These changes should be made together with autistic people to make sure that services meet their needs and feel respectful and welcoming. This study shows the need to redesign eye care so that it works better for autistic people and their families.

ABSTRACTHow do we imagine the future, especially in our current moment? This keynote encourages us to consider lessons learned and shared by those who have gone before us. This includes a giant of our discipline, Zora Neale Hurston, whose praxis challenges us to be present and to listen and learn from another vantage point. Listening informs our praxis. In this keynote, I share ways that listening has propelled entry into new spaces of inquiry, activism, and being through direct engagement, such as the Black Cemetery Network. It is surprising what we learn when we listen. When people speak, we generally hear them, but it is when we listen that we learn. Our narrator, our teacher, can be a hidden gravesite, a toxic waste site, a racial trope, an elder's story, a youth's imagination, a river flowing or an ocean current; a breeze, a poem, a song, a sigh, a laugh, a drumbeat, a quilt, a basket sewed with love, or rice recipes shared with pride; soothing hands and calloused hands; a familiar smell or taste for a special dish cultivated over generations and handed down through ways of being and knowing. The call and response to, are you listening, is we hear you; we feel you; we connect in this moment with what you are sharing. This connecting and remembering is our charter as human beings and as practitioners. These are our boldest moments to shine our brightest light as anthropologists, as people enmeshed in the public sphere. This keynote amplifies what can be learned, shared, activated, and acted upon from our listening on multiple levels and across multiple sectors and registers. This is a call to action to accept the mantle and the charge as living legacies of Zora Neale Hurston, to center our human beingness in the many ways that we have been positioned to make a difference.

Photophysical studies on the interaction of small molecules with various forms of nucleic acids are attracting attention nowadays in order to delineate the molecular level mechanism of various biological processes occurring in vivo. Herein, we employed vivid steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques to elucidate the detailed characterization of the binding interaction of a biologically active cationic dye thioflavin T (ThT) with double and triple helical forms of RNA - A.U duplex and U.A*U triplex respectively. In both the cases, binding was accompanied by bathochromic and hypochromic shifts of absorption maxima of ThT along with significant regaining of fluorescence intensity which was intrinsically lost due to rapid transition from a locally excited state to nonradiative twisted intramolecular charge-transfer state through torsional rotation of BZT and DMAB rings around the C-C single bond. The binding constant was found to be greater with U.A*U triplex (Kb ∼ 105 M-1) than A.U duplex (Kb ∼ 104 M-1) at 293.15 K. However, steady-state absorption study, steady-state and time-resolved spectrofluorimetric and anisotropic study, anionic quenching study, circular dichroism study, and fluorescence contact energy-transfer analysis unveiled that the binding mode was partial intercalation in both the cases and the extent of intercalation was stronger in A.U duplex. Apparent anomaly in the binding affinity and intercalation strength probably lies in the interplay of two factors, namely, nonplanar structure of ThT and Columbic relaxation on binding. In both the cases, the binding was driven by a negative enthalpy change and a positive entropy change, and the van der Waals interaction together with H-bonding interactions are the major governing forces underlying the complexation. We also observed that the systematic addition of orange-emitting ethidium bromide to cyan-emitting ThT-RNA complex led to bright white light emission through Forster-type resonance energy-transfer mechanism, and this energy transfer was more feasible in the interstrand condition. This work renders the utility of ThT as a potential prerequisite for its application in pharmacological and optoelectronics industries.