Researchers are hoping a new bedside light could help babies who have experienced difficult births.
The new technology will shine a light into the brain to monitor oxygen and energy levels in newborns, who are under observation for a brain injury.
Developed by a team at University College London, they believe it could aid neonatal doctors in discovering damage to the brain earlier and subsequently, help them to tailor their treatment.
A clinical trial of the broadband near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is now expected to get underway.
Dr Gemma Bale, an engineer from the University College London explained: "The device, which can be used straight after birth, is placed on the head and shines red and infra-red light into the brain.
"This type of light can more easily penetrate the body, like when you shine a torch on your hand."
"Changes in brain oxygen levels and energy usage change the colour of the light that is reflected back," she told the BBC.
"Our sensors measure the reflected light to work out whether brain cells are healthy or damaged," she added.
Doctors currently use an MRI scan to detect brain injuries, but they have to wait until the newborn is stable enough, which can take several days.
Early detection and intervention are crucial for brain injuries as it allows for the correct treatments to be applied and could potentially predict how bad the damage is.
Dr Bale stressed the importance of time when it comes to these types of injuries.
"The first week after birth is a really critical time in babies' development. If we are able to get in sooner to assess the damage, we can tailor treatment to save lives and help prevent disability further down the line."
Light sensors are already used by medical professionals to monitor oxygen levels in tissue, but this device would also give doctors an indication of energy levels in brain cells.
