From Brain to Home: Illuminating the Everyday with Dr. Mariana Figueiro

Send us a textThe power of light is on the table today!For our latest episode of our From Brain to Home series, we are joined by Dr. Mariana Figueiro. Dr. Figueiro is the Mount Sinai Endowed Professor of Light and Health Research at the Department of Population Health Science and Policy at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Director of the Mount Sinai Light and Health Research Center. Her research focuses on the effects of light on human health, sustainability, circadian photobiology, and lighting for older adults. As the author of more than 140 scientific articles, Dr. Figueiro has brought attention to the significance of light and health as a topic of public interest. She joins us today to discuss the impact that lighting design has on all aspects of our lives - from our physical and mental health, to our sleep patterns and even our cognitive functioning. In this episode, Dr. Figueiro and Ashley discuss the way lighting impacts people living a variety of lives, whether it be night-shift workers, the elderly, those with jetlag, or simply people who can’t bring themselves to turn off their screens before bed. She discusses her approach to light research as a form of design, informing her work through her architecture background, and sharing all the ways big and small we can maximize light in our spaces.  Powerfully, Dr. Figueiro shares with us how lighting can impact treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and Cancer, through a treatment approach called Chronotherapy. What results is a fascinating and at points deeply profound discussion on the simple ways that we can improve our lives by giving consideration to light.Read Dr.Figueiros Research.Listen to Dr.Figueiros TedMED talk.Read Dr.Figuerios research on Chronotherapy.Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of our episode with Dr.Chatterjee.Read The Art of Scientific Investigation by William Beveridge.Follow On the Table with Ashley on Instagram and TikTok.On the Table with Ashley is presented by Âme Atendre, a luxury home goods and tableware brand with a mission to connect people to all that matters. If you have ideas for new episodes or guests, or just want to share feedback, email us at [email protected].