In light of the communication breakdown at Alibaba, the appointment by Yahoo!

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Light-based communication seems to wind throughout the MIT Media Lab -- it is a universal language, after all, since many devices output light, be it with a dedicated LED or a standard LCD, and have the capacity to view and interpret it.

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The project began in January 2011 with the creation of a photovoltaic device that induced communication between neurons in presence of light.

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This marks the longest one-way communication via laser, as the light made its way across the 240, 000 miles between the Earth and Moon.

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Infrared light is used mainly for optical communication--including for sending messages between a remote control and the TV.

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Seen in that light, the key for doctors improving their communication with patients is the quality of their communication with fellow clinicians.

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Since atoms have well understood light absorption properties, predictions can be made about the depth of a shadow cast, improving communication between the individual atoms performing calculations.

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