Evidence is emerging that disruption of one's circadian clock is associated with cancer in humans, and that interference with internal timekeeping can tip the balance in favor of tumor development.

If the link between light exposure and cancer risk can be confirmed, it could have an immediate impact on the production and use of artificial lighting in this country. This might include lighting with a wavelength and intensity that does not disrupt melatonin levels and internal timekeeping.

Light, in terms of our experiments, stimulates breast-cancer growth activity, and obviously this is due to the ability of light to shut off melatonin production.

Day workers who spend their time indoors would benefit from lighting that better mimics sunlight. Companies that employ shift workers could introduce lighting that allows the workers to see without disrupting their circadian and melatonin rhythms.

We observed rapid growth comparable to that seen with administration of daytime blood samples, when tumor activity is particularly high.

We are at the vanguard of discovering the endless benefits of nanotechnology for applications like targeted cancer treatments and more efficient solar cells. With this inventory, we also are learning that this technology is already being incorporated into our daily lives. It's on store shelves and being sold in every part of the world.