# Illuminated Timber Dr. Yen-Hsun Su Develops Tree Streetlights with Gold Nanoparticles By Meghan Young | Published 2010-11-17 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tree-streetlights References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2010/11/nanoparticles-could-turn-trees-into-streetlights.html) & [popsci](http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-11/trees-could-one-day-serve-streetlights-thanks-gold-nanoparticles) Earth could look a little more like Pandora from 'Avatar' if these tree streetlights actually come into fruition. The amazing thing about these tree streetlights is the fact that they are completely electricity-free! This scientific discovery involves a particular species of tree that can actually produce a red emission in chlorophyll when gold nanoparticles are added. Developed by Dr Yen-Hsun Su from the [National Cheng Kung University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-forest-foundation) in Taiwan, this scientific concept could mean huge things for the environment. By using these tree streetlights, we could cut [light pollution and carbon emissions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biophilic-lighting) significantly. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-friendly Lighting:** The development of tree streetlights with gold nanoparticles presents an opportunity for eco-friendly lighting solutions. - **Nature-inspired Innovations:** The use of trees as streetlights showcases the potential for nature-inspired innovations in various industries. - **Sustainable Design:** The incorporation of electricity-free tree streetlights highlights the trend towards sustainable design and energy-efficient solutions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Urban Planning:** Urban planners can explore the integration of tree streetlights to enhance the aesthetics and sustainability of urban environments. - **Lighting Technology:** The development of tree streetlights opens up opportunities for the lighting technology industry to create innovative and eco-friendly lighting solutions. - **Environmental Conservation:** The use of tree streetlights promotes environmental conservation efforts by reducing light pollution and carbon emissions in areas illuminated by traditional streetlights. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Solar-Powered Floral Garden Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tree-house.md) - [Stone Waste Street Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pebble-street-light.md) - [Air-Purifying Tree Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treeone.md) - [Biophilic Garden Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-organism-lights.md) - [Light Pollution-Reducing Island Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/island-lamp.md) - [Neon Illuminated Christmas Trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fluorescence.md) - [Tree Branch-Formed Lighting Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celestial-attraction.md) - [Illuminated Christmas Tree Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-lit-up.md) - [Soil-Powered Light Sources](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soli.md)