This scientist uses light to perform smarter, cleaner chemistry

NPR | By Ari Daniel

Published August 24, 2026 at 6:13 PM EDT

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.

Ari Daniel

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

See stories by Ari Daniel

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