Researchers from the University of Ulm in Germany have discovered a new use for red LEDs (light emitting diodes) that is potentially much more valuable than their current use as indicators in electronics or clusters for modern lighting. The scientists have successfully shown that after several weeks of high-intensity treatment with the red glowing diodes, patients had rejuvenated skin with reduced wrinkles.

High-intensity light has been used in medicine for more than 40 years to speed the healing of skin, but until now, the nature of the physicochemical changes has been unknown. The scientists, Andrei Sommer and Dan Zhu, discovered that the light strips away any molecules that inhibit the flow of elastin – the protein responsible for providing elasticity to our skin and body tissues. When the figurative road blocks are removed, the elastin can flow into the formerly blockaded areas (the wrinkles) and restore elasticity.

As much of our body (including our organs) utilizes elastin, it is thought the treatment could be used not only for superficial treatments, but also for deep internal rejuvenation, which could be as radical as regenerative medicine.

It is a fascinating discovery which may lead to some new life-enhancing/prolonging treatments that are uninvasive and that could potentially be marketed as an unobtrusive, regular-use, personal-therapy product. I’m thinking some sort of LED-embedded balaclava that you wear to bed…there’s an idea for American Inventor if it returns.

Sources:

American Chemical Society and New Scientist and Emerging Tech