Photobiomodulation used by NASA
First of all, did you know that photobiomodulation is a therapy that was discovered in 1967 by Endre Mestert, a Hungarian researcher? Since then, scientific research on it has been growing exponentially year after year. But it was only in the 1990s that NASA became interested in it. Since then, it has continued to study it... and has even used it during its space flights!
Photobiomodulation technology validated during space flight
In 1991, the American company QDI began developing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at the request of NASA. The American federal agency had the idea of using these light sources to promote the growth of plants during manned flights.
In 1995, this new LED technology made its debut in space, aboard the space shuttle Columbia. During this 15-day mission, 5 small potatoes were grown in orbit.
This first test is a success. The future stakes are very high. Not only will these astrocultures provide food and water to the crews, but they will help replenish oxygen and remove excess carbon dioxide from the air.
Photobiomodulation to keep astronauts healthy
After this success, and still at that time, NASA combined this new technology with photobiomodulation therapy. It wanted to use the latter to keep its astronauts healthy. Indeed, in prolonged weightlessness, they encounter problems with bone and muscle loss. Photobiomodulation could improve the body's ability to heal from its injuries.
Transcranial photobiomodulation, a therapy currently being developed by NASA
Today, NASA continues to study and develop this therapy. Scientific studies are currently underway, but this time focused on the central nervous system. In fact, the American space agency wants to stimulate the brain metabolism of its astronauts, during space flights to Mars, with transcranial photobiomodulation.
Our results were positive and reinforce our main hypothesis that transcranial photobiomodulation is capable of improving cognitive function during spaceflight. We will continue our research activities as planned in the proposal.
source: NASA official website (2021)
We have strong evidence for the safety of our intervention, as well as the ability of near-infrared light to stimulate mitochondrial function in the human brain. We are very encouraged by the first-year results.
A photobiomodulation device to treat soldiers
Back to Earth! Following these years of development in partnership with NASA, QDI signed a new contract, this time with an agency of the United States Department of Defense. From this collaboration was born, in the early 2000s, a portable photobiomodulation device, named WARP 10 , which is intended for military first aid applications.
Photobiomodulation available now, right now
Finally, note that this famous WARP 10 photobiomodulation device was used in 2019 on patients suffering from Parkinson's.
The study showed that after 9 weeks of therapy, patients had a faster walking speed .
Sources used for this article
https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/tb/spinoff/health-and-medicine/5118
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-73.html
https://www.nasa.gov/missions/science/spinoff10_astroculture_e.html
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/background/facts/advasc.html
https://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/everydaylife/spacespuds.html
https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/951624/
https://techport.nasa.gov/view/96033
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/new-biomedical-research-projects-will-address-human-health-risks-for-deep-space-missions
https://www.warp-light.com/app_pain.html
https://fda.report/PMN/K032229