San Diego student develops red-light therapy to help heal wounds in space

An 18-year-old student from San Diego has earned a finalist spot in the prestigious 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search for her innovative approach to wound healing in space. Leanne Fan developed a remarkably affordable red-light therapy device, built for just $200, designed to function effectively in microgravity.

Fan's research focused on the potential of red-light therapy to accelerate the healing process under conditions simulating space. Her experiments with flatworms demonstrated a significant acceleration in tissue regeneration, achieving an impressive 95.2% improvement. Further tests conducted on human cells also indicated a faster rate of cell movement during the wound closure process.

This development holds promise for future space exploration, where maintaining astronaut health is paramount. The low cost and potential effectiveness of Fan's device could offer a viable solution for medical care on long-duration missions, addressing the unique challenges of healing in a microgravity environment. Her recognition in the science talent search highlights the ingenuity of young scientists tackling complex real-world problems.