NATURE PODCAST

13 May 2026

There are a multitude of red-light emitting consumer goods, but do they really do anything for your health? We look at the science behind the hype — plus, the increasing levels of obesity in lower-income countries.

By

Benjamin Thompson

Nick Petrić Howe

You have full access to this article via your institution.

Download the Nature Podcast 13 May 2026

In this episode:

00:42 Is red-light therapy all hype?

Disclaimer: The opinions and assertions expressed herein by Juanita Anders are those of the speaker and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences or the Department of War.

Nature: The surprising science behind red-light therapy — and how it really works

10:52 Research Highlights

Nature: Trafficked pangolins can be traced to their source by DNA — even to a specific forest

Nature: A wispy wrapper for a chilly, Pluto-like world

13:11 The complex story of global obesity rates

Research article: NCD Risk…