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Published — 4 September 2026 ⏭ New Scientist

Light bulbs are wrecking your metabolism

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Twenty years ago, the widespread adoption of LED light bulbs was a boon for energy efficiency – but it has taken a toll on our health.

These devices emit hardly any red light, longer wavelengths found in sunlight, the glow of a campfire and incandescent bulbs and we’re only just uncovering the consequences.

It turns out red light is key to metabolism, speeding up energy production in our mitochondria. Without it, blood sugar rises, putting us at risk of type 2 diabetes, and reduced daylight has also been linked to dementia, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Learn more: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2582914-the-shock-revelation-that-light-bulbs-are-wrecking-your-metabolism/
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