Spectroscopy refers to the interactions between matter and light, or radiated energy, and the dispersion of an object’s light into its various wavelengths (i.e. colors). Dissecting an object’s light through spectroscopy helps modern astronomers determine the physical properties of stars. However, the study of light aids more than just astronomers in scientific battles today. New technology known as HINS-light (high-intensity narrow-spectrum) is utilizing nuances of spectroscopy to fight off highly resistant hospital bacteria that plague health systems nation wide. Developed at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland by a multidisciplinary team of experts, the HINS-light decontaminates the air and exposed surfaces with a light focused on a narrow band of visible-light at a 405 nm wavelength (violet). The new technology kills pathogens and is harmless to patients and staff, allowing for the continuous decontamination of hospital rooms. The HINS-light works by using its narrow spectrum of light to excite molecules within bacteria, which then release highly reactive chemicals that are lethal to the tiny prokaryotes. Clinical trials proved the current HINS-light system capable of reducing surface bacterial levels by 86%!
AstroPress 
This is really cool! I wonder if it also helps reduce multi-drug resistant bacteria (or superbugs)? Because if it does, then it’s even more valuable!
You are actually right on point! The HINS-light was more specifically developed to tackle this issue: “Two years of clinical trials just completed at Glasgow Royal Infirmary show the high-intensity light is effective against some of the most virulent pathogens found in hospitals and nursing homes, such as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and Clostridium difficile.”
This sounds really cool. Do you know what kind of safety testing they did? Since it is so powerful against bacteria, I wonder if there are other particles that it could kill/ interfere with.. In another class I learned about the potential dangers of some xrays (like mammograms or dental xrays), and about how hard it is to use the clinical trial system to get unbiased, conclusive results for safety. I think this technology sounds AWESOME and I am interested to see it’s future implementation, but because it is so new, I am a little scared of potential adverse affects that we don’t know about yet.
I am sure they have tested the technology for safety, but nothing too intensive. They have run clinical trials at Glasgow Royal Infirmiry in the UK to test for effectiveness and safety. I don’t think they are particularly worried about side effects or dangers to people, because the reality of the technology is that it is basically a purple light. In other words, if light at this (visible) wavelength was noticeably harmful, I doubt we would be so inclined to visible light. The most important thing is that the technology allows for constant decontamination, and is a huge step up from current sanitation techniques that are often harmful to hospital staff.
Wow, this is awesome. Never knew about this and am amazed by this kind of finding. I wonder why I haven’t heard about this before, because I’m sure this has had some astronomical sized benefits for hospitals worldwide. Obviously, the color of the violet hue of this kind of light signifies that the wave of this light has a high frequency, but since it’s part of the very narrow visible light spectrum, it has no effect on us. I’m interested if there are other kinds of waves, like infrared, that could do this kind of damage on potentially harming bacteria. I also wonder what the statistics are from the implementation of this in participating hospitals.