What Part Of The Eye Changes Shape To Focus Light?

UV Light Could Prevent The Next Pandemic

Five years after COVID-19 emerged in the United States, researchers are exploring innovative methods to prevent the next major viral outbreak. One such approach under investigation is the use of far-UVC light — a specific form of ultraviolet light that may have the potential to neutralize airborne pathogens without posing a risk to humans.

Unlike traditional UVC light, which can be harmful to human tissue, far-UVC has a shorter wavelength that enables it to eliminate viruses and bacteria in the air while remaining safe for human exposure. According to David Brenner, a physicist at Columbia University, far-UVC light is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, regardless of whether they are bacterial or viral.

Ongoing testing is being conducted in various real-world environments, including a Boston nightclub, a dental clinic at Columbia University, and a rehabilitation facility at Mount Sinai Hospital. In these studies, scientists use controlled rooms to simulate conditions where airborne viruses might thrive. The setup allows researchers to manipulate airflow and humidity while measuring viral loads before and after exposure to far-UVC light.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges the promise of this technology, it emphasizes the need for additional research to confirm its long-term safety and effectiveness. David Putrino of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, who has implemented far-UVC lighting in a rehab center, noted that a thorough review of existing studies helped ease any initial concerns about the technology’s safety.

Experts believe that far-UVC lighting could be a valuable tool in combating airborne viruses such as influenza, COVID-19, and potentially even a future threat like bird flu. Brenner expressed hope that this technology could help mitigate the impact of the next pandemic, noting that while the timing and source of the next global outbreak remain uncertain, preparedness remains essential.