Exciting News: Scientists Unveil a New Color Named ‘Olo’ – Discover What It Means for the World of Color!

A team of scientists from the United States has reported discovering a new color that people can’t see without technology. They named this color "olo." Using a device reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz, they fired laser pulses into their eyes to "experience" olo. Though invisible to the naked eye, those who have seen it describe it as similar to a teal color but with a unique vibrance.

The Study Behind Olo

Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Washington published their findings in Science Advances. They developed a technique called "Oz," which tricks the human eye into perceiving olo. The name refers to the Wizard of Oz, where illusions play a significant role in perception.

In the story, the characters believed in the wizard’s fantastical powers, much like the scientists’ method involves using advanced technology to create a new visual experience.

Understanding Human Color Perception

Our eyesight depends on three types of cells in our retina—S, M, and L cones. S cones respond to blue light, M cones to green, and L cones to red. Dr. Francis Windram from Imperial College London highlights the complexity of how these signals reach our brain, processed by various cells before reaching the visual cortex.

Discovering Olo

The scientists aimed to isolate the signals of M cones, which typically blend with signals from the other two types of cones. Professor Ren Ng from UC Berkeley was curious about what colors might look like if M cones were stimulated independently. The Oz technology can direct laser light to these specific cones, a method explored since 2018 by a team of researchers, including doctoral students at Berkeley.

Is Olo Truly New?

While olo may seem like a new color, it’s always existed; it just falls outside our visible spectrum. From a sociolinguistic view, if people name previously indistinguishable colors, we can consider them "new." This notion echoes throughout history, as many cultures develop names for colors based on their experiences and interactions with their environment.

Experiences of Olo

So far, only five individuals have seen olo: four men and one woman. Interestingly, three are co-authors of the study. Descriptions of olo highlight a richly saturated teal that stands apart from any color seen before. Austin Roorda, one of the researchers, expressed awe, stating it felt like seeing an incredibly intense version of teal.

Future Possibilities

Researchers are considering whether the Oz technology could assist those with color blindness. Professor Windram noted the potential to stimulate specific cones, but acknowledged the technology needs significant advancement before it could become practical.

How We Understand Color Perception

Color perception encompasses physical, neurological, and sociolinguistic aspects. This idea was illustrated in a viral social media phenomenon over a dress that appeared to be different colors to different people, showcasing how lighting and contextual factors can influence our understanding of color.

Animal Color Perception

Interestingly, color perception varies across species. While humans detect three color wavelengths, certain animals, like the mantis shrimp, can see a staggering twelve. This ability allows them to perceive ultraviolet light, a spectrum beyond human vision. In contrast, dogs have only two types of cones, seeing mainly in shades of blue and yellow.

In summary, olo serves as a fascinating exploration of how technology can expand our perception of color. The collision of science, history, and perception propels our understanding of how we interact with the world.

For more insights into color and perception, you might check studies from the Australian Academy of Science or insights shared by scientists on platforms like Twitter.

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