In a remarkable advancement in the field of vision science, scientists in the US have enabled five individuals to perceive a completely new color known as 'olo'. This vibrant hue, described as a highly saturated blue-green, exists outside the natural range of human color perception. The groundbreaking findings were published in the journal Science Advances on Friday, showcasing an innovative experiment in which researchers employed targeted laser stimulation to activate specific cells in the participants' eyes.
Human eyes rely on three types of cone cells—L (long), M (medium), and S (short)—which are sensitive to red, green, and blue light, respectively. Typically, these cones work in tandem, and the brain interprets their combined signals to create the full spectrum of colors we observe daily. However, the challenge lies in the fact that in nature, it is impossible to isolate the activation of just one type of cone, such as the green-sensitive M cones, without simultaneously stimulating the others. This overlap inherently limits the colors that humans can perceive.
Using advanced laser technology and sophisticated eye-tracking systems, researchers successfully stimulated only the M cones, effectively bypassing the usual overlap of cone activation. This precision led to the creation of the new color 'olo', a hue that has never before been experienced by humans. The ability to selectively target individual cone types represents a significant milestone in expanding our understanding of color vision.
The researchers have dubbed their innovative method 'Oz', a pioneering principle for displaying color imagery by controlling individual cells in the retina. Their study highlights that this breakthrough not only partially expands the human color space but also demonstrates that new colors can be perceived through targeted stimulation of photoreceptors. Remarkably, the team was even able to showcase images and videos using 'Oz colors' by directing laser microdoses at thousands of identified cones.
The implications of this research are profound, suggesting that the human eye can be programmed to perceive colors beyond its natural capabilities. This development could pave the way for novel applications in vision science, display technologies, and immersive media experiences. Currently, only five individuals have encountered the color 'olo', but scientists believe this could be just the beginning of a new frontier in understanding human vision.
As we continue to unravel the complexities of color perception, the potential for discovering and experiencing new hues opens exciting possibilities for future research and innovation.
