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This scientist uses light to perform smarter, cleaner chemistry

NPR | By Ari Daniel

Published August 24, 2026 at 5:13 PM CDT

To create the molecules we need to help us grow food or make fuel, we rely on chemical reactions — and lots of energy. One scientist may have a "brighter" approach, controlling chemistry with light.

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All Things Considered

Ari Daniel

Ari Daniel is a freelance contributor to NPR's Science desk.

See stories by Ari Daniel

Thousands are still without power in Gary, Ind., nearly two weeks after storms

Jeffrey Pierre, Ailsa Chang, Sarah Handel, Cheryl Corley

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Kaitlin Washburn, reporter with the Chicago Sun-Times, about the ongoing power outages in northwest Indiana and how they're affecting residents' lives.
Lab-grown organoids are living longer — offering new insight into the human brain

Rachel Carlson

A study in the journal Nature sets a new record for the lifespan of lab-grown cells called organoids. These clusters of human cells in petri dishes are used as models of the human brain.
A look at the future of brain research funding, from a kids' camp for TBI survivors

Lydia McFarlane

A Pennsylvania summer camp helps children who have survived brain injuries. But the future of federal funding for brain injury research, and grants to states to help such patients, is in limbo.
The latest twists and turns in the proposed Paramount and Warner Bros. merger

Mandalit del Barco

The proposed merger between Hollywood heavyweights Paramount and Warner Bros. continues to inch along. Many in the film industry hope to block the deal — but now some are calling for a settlement.
Bad Bunny wraps tour, brings joy home to Puerto Rico

Adrian Florido

After a global tour, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny returned home for two final concerts this weekend. He urged residents to continue fighting for improvements on the island.