Astronauts aboard the ISS (International Space Station) may be treated with LED lights that faintly changes colors throughout the day to increase alertness and productivity. According to wired.com, Neuroscientist, George C. Brainard from Thomas Jefferson University, has been conducting studies to figure out which colors of light affect the body in various ways. These lights are especially important because oftentimes emergencies occur during resting hours and the astronauts must be attentive enough to handle them in the proper manner. His studied concluded that three different colors of light will be suitable for the astronauts at different times of the day. He found that lights with blue hues in them suppress melatonin, a chemical in the body that regulates the sleep cycle. Therefore, the blue lights will be used in the morning, or the hours following the astronauts wake. The lights will then gradually turn into a whiter light that will be used for the majority of the day. The lights will then adjust to a warmer light containing slightly red hues to allow the astronauts’ bodies to get ready for sleep. Using LED lights, instead of the former fluorescent lights, will allow the bulbs to last longer. However, before these light bulbs can be officially approved and used, further testing must be done in order to guarantee the light bulbs will withstand space travel. According to the website previously mentioned, the light bulbs are expected to reach the ISS during the year 2015. 
