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In the midst of a particularly frigid and brutal winter, fighting the debilitating effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) grows increasingly difficult. A group of scientists believe a new device could eradicate that darkness-induced depression, though, by blasting the brain with a warm and comforting glow. Created by scientists from Finland's University of Oulu, the Valkee reportedly operates as a simple pair of earbuds. But, those headphones also emit penetrating light deep into the wearer's brain in order to "stimulate photo sensitive parts of the gray matter." The device may seem somewhat ridiculous, but the researchers contend that nine of the original study's 10 participants experienced positive, uplifting results. Renowned tech authorities have reportedly attested to the Valkee's benefits, including Esther Dyson and former Nokia executive Anssi Vanjoki, and the device is also apparently available now. So, if those dark days of winter seem overpowering and unending, you no longer have to wait impatiently for other (furry and infuriatingly fickle) beacons of seasonal and emotional rebirth.
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Comments
11
Subscribe to commentsStaceyJan 16th 2011 6:55AM
WOW I want them...
John WoodburnJan 16th 2011 7:46AM
In 2 another comparison studies, they achieved equally beneficial results with sex and vodka! Go figure!
spikeJan 16th 2011 9:02AM
minus the potential for V.D.and hang overs ,of course
AngelaJan 16th 2011 9:26AM
Sounds crazy, huh? Not to me. I'm thinking this could be the beginning of studies where earbuds and light rays could be used to stimulate the brains of those with traumatic brain injuries, those in a coma, children & adults with developmental delays, etc. I think this idea has terrific potential. Not necessarily as a cure for the Winter blahs, but then, I don't see the winter blahs as a mental illness that needs a special psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, like SAD.
annieJan 16th 2011 11:08AM
@Angela As I have this illness and OCD, I would say you are wrong! I would love to try this device. Can't afford the electric bills with the lights, so maybe this is an alternative.
LauraJan 16th 2011 11:29AM
How can it blast light into the brain through earbuds when you can't get to your brain through your ear-canal?
lunarfire89Jan 16th 2011 12:07PM
@Laura I really don't think it can, in any beneficial way, since the brain isn't photo sensitive. It doesn't have any light receptors, all of it's visual information comes from the eyes through the optic nerve.
RonJan 16th 2011 7:04PM
I've been downloading movies to watch through my ears
Marilyn NeumannJan 16th 2011 10:53PM
Wait 10 years and they discover that these light "rays" cause cancer. Isn't it always the way?
D.Jan 16th 2011 10:48PM
I wonder what the professional, scientific, debunkers like Dr. Michael Shermer and James Randi would say about this latest presentation? Junk-science? Pseudo-science? I'll wager my big bet that it lies within the realm of junk and pseudo-science.
LPStarChaserJan 17th 2011 12:46AM
I see the logic in it, but can I hear my favorite radio station?