{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/e421d786-ec36-4148-aa99-7a3b2928a779/6a731dd3f75191d0faef2596?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"The hidden benefits of red light","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/62e286a934d4d9fe5e874247/1785929136653-a1db15b0-cf2d-4622-8dcd-2b7442f5e6e1.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Red-light therapy has become a <a href=\"https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/09/26/are-red-light-face-masks-worth-the-hype?utm_campaign=a.io&amp;utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&amp;utm_source=babbage&amp;utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&amp;utm_term=sa.listeners\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">booming wellness trend</a>. The long wavelengths of red and infrared light allow it to penetrate tissue, where it may be beneficial to cells. Beyond anti-ageing masks and infrared saunas, could exposure to <a href=\"https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/07/20/the-surprising-benefits-of-red-light?utm_campaign=a.io&amp;utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&amp;utm_source=babbage&amp;utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&amp;utm_term=sa.listeners\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">red light</a> become a serious tool in medicine? We meet the researchers investigating the potential effects—from improving eyesight to reducing blood sugar spikes and even helping with hard-to-treat neurological conditions.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Guests and hosts:</p><ul><li>Sarah Lawrynuik, <em>The Economist</em>'s audio correspondent</li><li>Glen Jeffery of University College London</li><li>David Davies and Mohammed Hadis of the University of Birmingham&nbsp;</li><li>Alex Hern, <em>The Economist</em>’s AI writer</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:</p><ul><li>Red-light therapy</li><li>Wellness trends</li><li>Cell metabolism</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Transcripts of our podcasts are available via <a href=\"http://economist.com/podcasts\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">economist.com/podcasts</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href=\"https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">subscribe to The Economist</a>.</p>","author_name":"The Economist"}