Speaker: Mirjam Münch, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Basel, Switzerland
Host: Katharina Wulf, Department of Molecular Biology, MIMS
There is growing evidence that light is essential for human health and well-being. Beyond vision, light influences a wide range of physiological and behavioural processes through non-visual pathways via the eye, including sleep–wake regulation, circadian rhythms, cognitive performance, mood, and metabolic function. However, many fundamental questions remain unanswered. We still do not know the optimal dose, timing, duration, or spectral composition of light exposure required to promote different health outcomes, nor do we fully understand the mechanisms linking acute and chronic light exposure to physical and mental health beyond circadian regulation.
A major challenge is to account for the substantial inter-individual variability in responses to light. Factors such as age, sex, chronotype, genetics, skin pigmentation, pre-existing health conditions, occupation, and geographical location all influence how individuals respond to light exposure.
This presentation will summarize some aspects of the current state of knowledge, highlight key research gaps, and provide examples of how emerging evidence is being translated into practical applications.
About IBSS
Integrated Biomedical Science Seminars is a broad, open seminar series within life science.