Weekly Wrap Up (Week of July 8th, 2016)

The influence of laser technology is visible in a multitude of industries. This week, we take a look at the fairly recent rise in popularity of laser cut fashion. Learn about the advantages of using lasers to cut textiles, the impact of laser technology on the fashion industry, and what types of lasers are most commonly utilized here.

Researchers at the University of Texas Austin are testing a new way to treat Anxiety and Depressive Disorders using low powered lasers. In the initial trials, researchers used a low-powered laser externally on the heads of patients, to “energize” specific areas of the brain. The tests found that patients that participated in the treatment showed greater signs of improvement over the control group, which received traditional forms of treatment. The team aims to further their research by combining the lasers with an online cognitive behavioral therapy program, hoping to see a greater scale of positive results. Find out more here.

Maintaining an aquarium is rarely a simple task, especially when it comes to keeping a tank pest free. This week, we highlighted an aquarium enthusiast who utilizes an 1800 mW, 445 nm blue laser to eliminate pests. The videos and explanation were found on a popular aquarist forum, in a thread dedicated to the “best practices” in laser utilization for aquariums. Check out the video here.

Be sure to download our e-Book 6 Ways to Expand Your Knowledge of Laser Technology. This “comprehensive guide for laser professionals” includes free online resources, journals, newsletters, recommended publications, and details on future LIA conferences. Download the book for free here.

If you’re a laser safety officer seeking ways to improve your knowledge and reliability, be sure to read our post Boosting LSO Credibility Through Online Training.  The post gives a concise summary of the content covered by online courses that can be applied in the workplace, as an LSO. Find it here.

Be sure to check out the current schedule of available online courses, here: https://www.lia.org/education/online-laser-safety-training