J Neurosci August 2001 PMID 11487664

Action spectrum for melatonin regulation in humans: evidence for a novel circadian photoreceptor.

G C Brainard, J P Hanifin, J M Greeson, B Byrne, G Glickman, E Gerner, M D Rollag

Download social card

Mentions

95
Peak: 12 in Oct 2020
across 5 sources since Jan 2019

Extended reach

817,250
potential audience

Total likes

13,543

Video views

412,688

Mentions per month

Jan 2019 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News44 articles
  • X / Twitter32 posts
  • Blogs11 articles
  • YouTube5 videos
  • Facebook3 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions highlight the groundbreaking nature of the research, with comments like 'genuinely impressive' and mentions of the discovery of a 'peak sensitivity' that doesn't match known photoreceptors. The tone varies from technical appreciation to practical advice, such as urging the use of blue blockers at night, reflecting both curiosity and perceived importance of the findings.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly support the findings, emphasizing the discovery of a new circadian photoreceptor and its implications for melatonin regulation.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions demonstrate high interest, with references to blue light, protective measures like blue blockers, and detailed technical insights, indicating curiosity about the research's significance.

EngagementHigh engagement

Posts show deep engagement, including sharing practical advice, technical evaluations of light spectra, and noting the impact on health, which suggests meaningful involvement with the topic.

ImpactHigh impact

Many recognize the research as highly impactful, discussing its potential to influence health habits and lighting technology, indicating a perception of high significance.

Abstract in brief

  • This study aimed to identify the specific light wavelengths that influence melatonin suppression in humans, which is crucial for understanding how the eye regulates our circadian rhythms.
  • The results showed that the most effective wavelength for suppressing melatonin is around 446–477 nm, suggesting a single, new type of photopigment in the human eye that is different from the known visual pigments in rods and cones.
  • These findings point to the existence of a novel retinaldehyde-based opsin photopigment responsible for circadian light sensing, providing new insights into how light impacts human biological clocks beyond traditional visual pathways.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
☣️ Pleb Kruse = BTC foundationalist in exile
@DrJackKruse · X

If you care about your melatonin physiology and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most. Here you go....you better get your blue blockers! https://t.co/AQPAEPNw2N https://t.co/oYosJF0OnW

Oct 22, 2021 · 58 likes · 12 shares · 123,963 followers View post →
⚡️ The Blue Light Diet ⚡️
@BlueLightDiet · X

If you care about your #melatonin and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most. Here you go.... https://t.co/Bdl0hge8IK https://t.co/qwI9jo4s65

Oct 22, 2020 · 23 likes · 11 shares · 32,295 followers View post →
Javed Alam
@jalam1001 · X

@RogerSeheult ExpandedArt Details of the Publication: Title: Action Spectrum for Melatonin Regulation in Humans: Evidence for a Novel Circadian Photoreceptor Authors: George C. Brainard, John P. Hanifin, Jeffrey M. Greeson, Brenda Byrne, Gena Glickman, Edward Gerner, and https://t.co/WMW1XXKEj1

Nov 19, 2024 · 3 likes · 995 followers View post →
⚡️ The Blue Light Diet ⚡️
@BlueLightDiet · X

Wear #bluelight and #greenlight blockers at night. Action Spectrum for #Melatonin Regulation in Humans: Evidence for a Novel Circadian Photoreceptor. https://t.co/xlkTDbgvCW https://t.co/xlkTDbgvCW

Jan 14, 2019 · 1 like · 32,295 followers View post →
Tom Lee
@tjl · X

you can find it here https://t.co/QWuOG2z9Pk -- it is genuinely impressive, and identifies a peak sensitivity corresponding to blue light. This is especially badass because this peak doesn't correspond to any of our well-understood vision-related photoreceptors! WTF! https://t.co/akfB7regU2

Aug 23, 2021 · 1 like · 4,801 followers View post →
Manuel Spitschan PhD
@mspitschan · X

@MaartenWijntjes @tsawallis @CurrentBiology The action spectra of human melatonin suppression (https://t.co/7XDGGaSvKp and https://t.co/WNoPdPwxLi measured by @debrajskene) suggest a peak spectral sensitivity at wavelengths shorter than the melanopsin spectral sensitivity (~480 nm). 3/

Dec 19, 2019 · 1 like · 3,319 followers View post →

All mentions

文月宵(ケトン人)
@fumizukishou_bc · X

@isaburoudassu これ本当にキチッてる研究で とにかく波長調べたらブルーライトは夜間メラトニン分泌にはド腐れってのを証明したやつ 自然光や赤色波長とは比べ物にならない覚醒エネルギー持ってるぽいw https://t.co/J2OoJqVFff https://t.co/VQHX0IaOp1

Jul 27, 2025 · 1 like · 723 followers View post →
文月宵(ケトン人)
@fumizukishou_bc · X

@info_tanmin @d_holi 松果体が反応し、メラトニンの抑制がかかる光はめっちゃ強い、は誤りで訂正したほうが良いのではないかと思います 各波長と照度、メラトニン抑制などをまとめた研究です https://t.co/J2OoJqVFff

Jul 10, 2025 · 1 like · 723 followers View post →
Javed Alam
@jalam1001 · X

@RogerSeheult ExpandedArt Details of the Publication: Title: Action Spectrum for Melatonin Regulation in Humans: Evidence for a Novel Circadian Photoreceptor Authors: George C. Brainard, John P. Hanifin, Jeffrey M. Greeson, Brenda Byrne, Gena Glickman, Edward Gerner, and https://t.co/WMW1XXKEj1

Nov 19, 2024 · 3 likes · 995 followers View post →
Javed Alam
@jalam1001 · X

Expanded Details of the Publication: Title: Action Spectrum for Melatonin Regulation in Humans: Evidence for a Novel Circadian Photoreceptor Authors: George C. Brainard, John P. Hanifin, Jeffrey M. Greeson, Brenda Byrne, Gena Glickman, Edward Gerner, and Mark D. Rollag Date https://t.co/WMW1XXKEj1

Nov 19, 2024 · 1 like · 995 followers View post →
Javi Ciborro
@papayaykware · X

https://t.co/mrib0Zxwy0 Espectro de acción para la regulación de la melatonina en humanos: evidencia de un nuevo fotorreceptor circadiano

Oct 28, 2023 · 8,041 followers View post →
Mg2+ Papi, the BowTied Mg2+
@Grimhood · X

RT @DrJackKruse: If you care about your melatonin physiology and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin…

Oct 23, 2021 · 12 shares · 133,953 followers View post →
mely
@13389O4 · X

RT @DrJackKruse: If you care about your melatonin physiology and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin…

Oct 22, 2021 · 12 shares · 177 followers View post →
Don Tidwell
@tidwell_don · X

RT @DrJackKruse: If you care about your melatonin physiology and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin…

Oct 22, 2021 · 12 shares · 3,009 followers View post →
Joan Franco
@joanulloa1 · X

RT @DrJackKruse: If you care about your melatonin physiology and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin…

Oct 22, 2021 · 12 shares · 320 followers View post →
Chipman
@Chipin8or · X

RT @DrJackKruse: If you care about your melatonin physiology and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin…

Oct 22, 2021 · 12 shares · 275 followers View post →
DraCeciCastilloLancellotti
@NutrSinMarcas · X

RT @DrJackKruse: If you care about your melatonin physiology and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin…

Oct 22, 2021 · 12 shares · 2,491 followers View post →
Constanza G. ☀️⚡️
@constanzag77 · X

RT @DrJackKruse: If you care about your melatonin physiology and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin…

Oct 22, 2021 · 12 shares · 3,735 followers View post →
Mitominder
@Mitominder · X

RT @DrJackKruse: If you care about your melatonin physiology and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin…

Oct 22, 2021 · 12 shares · 2,257 followers View post →
Arielo
@arielsaul · X

https://t.co/b30pAog1Xc

Oct 22, 2021 · 922 followers View post →
☣️ Pleb Kruse = BTC foundationalist in exile
@DrJackKruse · X

If you care about your melatonin physiology and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most. Here you go....you better get your blue blockers! https://t.co/AQPAEPNw2N https://t.co/oYosJF0OnW

Oct 22, 2021 · 58 likes · 12 shares · 123,963 followers View post →
Tom Lee
@tjl · X

you can find it here https://t.co/QWuOG2z9Pk -- it is genuinely impressive, and identifies a peak sensitivity corresponding to blue light. This is especially badass because this peak doesn't correspond to any of our well-understood vision-related photoreceptors! WTF! https://t.co/akfB7regU2

Aug 23, 2021 · 1 like · 4,801 followers View post →
ENDALA klinika zdraví
@endalaclinic · X

Action spectrum for melatonin regulation in humans: evidence for a novel circadian photoreceptor - PubMed https://t.co/7YyKiS0vC9

Jan 17, 2021 · 253 followers View post →
Unacceptable Kat ☀️
@UneDesMilliards · X

RT @bluelightdiet: If you care about your #melatonin and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most…

Oct 30, 2020 · 11 shares · 529 followers View post →
⚡️ The Blue Light Diet ⚡️
@BlueLightDiet · X

RT @bluelightdiet: If you care about your #melatonin and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most…

Oct 22, 2020 · 11 shares · 32,295 followers View post →
delluk364
@delluk364 · X

RT @bluelightdiet: If you care about your #melatonin and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most…

Oct 22, 2020 · 11 shares · 192 followers View post →
southern
@RachelB46408034 · X

RT @bluelightdiet: If you care about your #melatonin and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most…

Oct 22, 2020 · 11 shares · 185 followers View post →
The Mad Titan
@mechazuth · X

RT @bluelightdiet: If you care about your #melatonin and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most…

Oct 22, 2020 · 11 shares · 190 followers View post →
RealFoodOptometrist
@ajwodecki · X

RT @bluelightdiet: If you care about your #melatonin and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most…

Oct 22, 2020 · 11 shares · 10,634 followers View post →
Jiri Zboril
@JiriZboril1 · X

RT @bluelightdiet: If you care about your #melatonin and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most…

Oct 22, 2020 · 11 shares · 8 followers View post →
Omar Hammouda
@HammoudaOm · X

RT @bluelightdiet: If you care about your #melatonin and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most…

Oct 22, 2020 · 11 shares · 805 followers View post →
Tin Hat Man.
@jonoskews · X

RT @bluelightdiet: If you care about your #melatonin and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most…

Oct 22, 2020 · 11 shares · 1,290 followers View post →
Hunter Riley III
@silvergoldbook · X

RT @bluelightdiet: If you care about your #melatonin and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most…

Oct 22, 2020 · 11 shares · 605 followers View post →
⚡️ The Blue Light Diet ⚡️
@BlueLightDiet · X

If you care about your #melatonin and know then it is good to know what kind of light suppresses your melatonin the most. Here you go.... https://t.co/Bdl0hge8IK https://t.co/qwI9jo4s65

Oct 22, 2020 · 23 likes · 11 shares · 32,295 followers View post →
Toine Schoutens
@toineschoutens · X

@JFriederHarmsen Hello Jan-Frieder, In fact is density /cm2 a better measure. Propeaq has 0.6 μW/cm2/465nm which is in between 15 and 35 lx at cornea level, depending on face characteristics. More info on melatonin action spectra: https://t.co/bW2qoBmS1o Regards Toine

Oct 1, 2020 · 1,636 followers View post →
Manuel Spitschan PhD
@mspitschan · X

@MaartenWijntjes @tsawallis @CurrentBiology The action spectra of human melatonin suppression (https://t.co/7XDGGaSvKp and https://t.co/WNoPdPwxLi measured by @debrajskene) suggest a peak spectral sensitivity at wavelengths shorter than the melanopsin spectral sensitivity (~480 nm). 3/

Dec 19, 2019 · 1 like · 3,319 followers View post →
WAHsu
@WAH_su · X

@swearyG @1starshot @BookishNeptune @HomeoReikiDogs All nn-emf is bad. Blue, green & pink. https://t.co/Krb4Gub6pF https://t.co/Guj3pZuwMg https://t.co/Guj3pZuwMg https://t.co/oGw5zP9jlv Andy Grant’s Company is where I got my glasses from. https://t.co/jbp2HJjGv0 Use code SHAW for 20% not profit for me, just for you to save.

Apr 24, 2019 · 1 like · 195 followers View post →
⚡️ The Blue Light Diet ⚡️
@BlueLightDiet · X

Wear #bluelight and #greenlight blockers at night. Action Spectrum for #Melatonin Regulation in Humans: Evidence for a Novel Circadian Photoreceptor. https://t.co/xlkTDbgvCW https://t.co/xlkTDbgvCW

Jan 14, 2019 · 1 like · 32,295 followers View post →