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Human Brain Is Sensitive To Light In Ears

Posted by timothy on from the also-to-the-name-of-the-devil dept.

vuo writes "Finnish researchers have shown that the human brain contains photoreceptors that react to intracranial illumination. Light is provided through the ear canal with bright-light headsets by Valkee. These devices, much like earphones or should we say 'earlumes,' are registered medical devices. Retinal illumination or bright-light therapy has been previously assumed to be the only way light indirectly affects brains. Light therapy helps with mood swings, seasonal affective disorder, jetlag and other circadian rhythm disruptions."

4 of 130 comments (clear)

  1. The slide of Slashdot contribution continues... by kamelkev · · Score: 5, Informative

    The source article is posted on "PR Newswire".

    This is a self published document by the company that creates and promotes the Valkee product.

    I am in no position to comment on the legitimacy of the product or the efficacy of it's claims, and neither is anyone else here given the complete uselessness of the article presented.

    At least link to the "scientific" article that they have on their website, which is more appropriate for this audience:
    http://www.valkee.com/uk/Valkee_Poster_Presentation-Human_Brain_Photosensitiveness_May2011.pdf

    I cannot tell if the above whitepaper is peer reviewed or what.

    1. Re:The slide of Slashdot contribution continues... by Nick+Ives · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Oh god, reading that press release it just gets better.

      They reckon that because a photosensitive protein is found in the human brain, shining light in through the ears must help in seasonal affective disorder. To demonstrate this they cut up some cadavers and showed that this protein was found in their brain.

      I'm quite certain you can't see the brain by looking in through the ear canal.

      --
      Nick
  2. what about the colon? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    is it sensitive to a reverse cranial insertion therapy?

  3. Re:That's nice. by Yaur · · Score: 4, Funny

    Common sense?