The Intelligent Lighting Engineering Research Center (ERC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) recently installed a unique medical inpatient smart lighting system at the University of New Mexico (UNM) Medical Center in Albuquerque, Metropolitan, Central New Mexico. UNM researchers plan to use this lighting system to study the effects of lighting on human health and disease. It is reported that the National Science Foundation will provide financial assistance for the installation of lighting systems through a multi-institutional, interdisciplinary "Engineering Research Center Program".

UNM researchers will for the first time study how side effects of LED lighting affect human health, and will also study circadian rhythm disorders and treatment of health conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, depression, etc., as well as other previously shown exposures. The correct spectrum, light intensity, and lighting duration respond to neurological disease treatment.