Thank the light (official version)

It wasn’t really the first thing I thought I would write about. But to prevent differing too much from the original columnists, as guest columnist I won’t write off-topic and stick to the subject of this Intermania; light.

One thing I think of is the USE package “The secret life of light”. Philips is involved with research regarding the application of light. It is interesting that light can be used to influence your mood and for example getting you out of bed easier. But after participating in a quite boring experiment at the IPO building, I felt like it wasn’t necessary for me to follow those courses. The research should really be brightened up, but I will leave that to Phillips.

Two other things I think of are light as a form of energy (definitely a SI subject, not a PT subject), and the other meaning of light used for the meaning of low calorie food and drinks. Like Coca cola light, one of the darkest drinks I know.

Although the TU and Philips are dealing with light at a very innovative level, it’s it most basic function that attracts my attention. Despite it is tried to apply knowledge about light in smart homes, light is the most primitive source of our existence as human beings. In fact, it is the initial source of any living at all.

Light is crucial for the photosynthesis of plants. Photosynthesis (photo means light) is the process which generates glucose, an organic molecule containing chemical energy. Plants are able to convert the sun’s light energy into chemical energy that is useful to us. And a happy coincidence; photosynthesis also generates oxygen, which we need to make use of this chemical energy.
In addition (day)light regulates some of our hormone levels and therefore our mood and our sleeping cycle (which are undoubtedly related to each other). For example, looking at blue light coming from a smartphone stops the production of the hormone melatonin that makes you sleep. This way light can keep you awake at night.

After all I feel ashamed for not making a big deal about light in the first place. Light is crucial for all living beings at the very basics. And like the Dutch say; the sun rises for free, and with that providing our needed light. So if things don’t really work out the way you planned, remember there is always something to be thankful for.

Always look at the light side of life.