psin, which may confer a form of ‘photic memory’ to human cognitive brain function,” write the researchers in their published paper.
In a press release from INSERM, the researchers write, “Ultimately, these findings argue for the use and design of lighting systems to optimize cognitive performance.” Given melanopsin’s cognitive effects, perhaps the concept of ‘smart’ lighting systems in schools and universities has a whole new meaning.
The research was published online ahead of print on 10 March 2014 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Chellappa, S.L., Ly, J.Q.M., Meyer, C., Balteau, E., Degueldre, C., Luxen, A., Phillips, C., Cooper, H.M. and Vandewalle, G. (2014). Photic memory for executive brain responses. PNAS (In press): 1320005111v1-201320005. Published online ahead of print 10 March 2014. www.pnas.org/content/early/2014/03/07/1320005111.abstract