Neuroprotective effects of 670nm (red) light on the human brain

Context

Non-invasive application of red/infrared light (photobiomodulation) can protect cells from ageing and improve neurological and psychological conditions such as brain injury, stroke, dementia, depression and general age-related decline. However, widespread clinical use of the treatment is limited because of an incomplete understanding of how it works.

The research

Based on animal models, the leading theory suggests red/infrared light improves function of mitochondria ('powerhouses' of the cell), increasing energy (ATP) production. Our project uses computational modelling of light penetration and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure biomarkers of mitochondrial function noninvasively in the human brain and quantify the effects of photobiomodulation.