Medical
 
Mortality: Research has indicated a correlation between lunar cycles and both overall mortality and cardiovascular mortality in humans. A Romanian study has shown a significant increase in both kinds of mortality two days before the first lunar quarter and two days before the last lunar quarter. Further research has shown a correlation between moon phases and the risk of hemorrhage during surgery. These findings beg for further research to be conducted into this fascinating correlation with potentially huge implications for bioscience and medicine.
 
General Therapy: Extensive research has shown that different wavelengths of light have beneficial therapeutic effects at the cellular level. Different tissue and cell types in the body each have their own particular light absorption dispositions (they will only absorb light of a specific wavelength); therefore different frequencies of light have distinct benefits and applications. These applications extend from treating problems such as wounds, scars and infections to arthritis to acupuncture and much more.
 
Clinical Depression and SAD: The literature is unequivocal about the efficacy of light therapies in treating certain kinds of depressive disorders. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of clinical depression have demonstrated the therapeutic value of light therapies and will benefit from significant amounts of research time.
 
Circadian Rhythms: Research suggests that exposure to nocturnal illumination may have the ability to influence circadian rhythms and length-of-day cycles.
 
Melatonin: Research has demonstrated that several creatures, such as rabbitfish, show altered melatonin levels in response to exposure differing moonlight intensity. Melatonin in humans is related to sleep cycles and has been used in treating sleep disorders. Melatonin is also one of the “building blocks” the brain uses in manufacture of the neurotransmitter serotonin; low levels of serotonin in the brain have been associated with depression (see above). 
 
Aging and Alzheimer’s: The above-mentioned research into circadian rhythms and sleep cycles may well have an application in the study of aging as well. Irregular sleeping patterns caused by the natural changes in our circadian rhythm as we age can affect memory, metabolism and general state of mind. In cases where light therapy has been used to reduce circadian rhythm disturbance in patients with in early-stage Alzheimer's-type dementia, an improvement in mental state and quality of life has been noted.
 
Cancer and Photodynamic Therapy: Early research into photodynamic therapy (PDT) proves promising. In this type of therapy, a photosensitizing agent is introduced into the body either via the bloodstream or topically (depending on the location of the cancer). Once the agent is absorbed, a light is applied to the area. The light activates the photosensitizing agent, causing it to react with oxygen and produce a chemical which kills the cancer cells. Though not a viable treatment for all types of cancer, this exciting new therapy has several advantages over traditional radiation treatments and surgery in that it is less invasive/scarring, can be applied more than once to the same area and can be focused on a very specific area.
 
Xeroderma Pigmentosum: The Xeroderma Pigmentosum Society describes this malady as “a rare genetic defect in ultraviolet radiation induced DNA repair mechanisms characterized by severe sensitivity to all sources of UV radiation (especially sunlight).” For people with this disease, even brief exposure to sunlight can lead to cancerous tumors; however, XP patients, sometimes called “moon children,” are able to go outside in the moonlight. ILA is hopeful that research will find a physical or mental benefit for these patients through alternative spectrum exposure.