Discover ‘Olo’: The Exclusive New Color Seen by Just 5 Individuals!

Scientists have found a way to unlock new colors for the human eye. Recently, they helped a small group of people see a unique color called "olo." This hue is described as a deep blue-green, unlike anything we’ve experienced before. The findings were shared in a journal called Science Advances.

The technique behind this discovery allows researchers to target specific light-sensing cells in the eye, known as photoreceptors. James Fong, a doctoral student at the University of California, Berkeley, explained that while their ultimate goal is to control every photoreceptor in the retina, they have made significant progress.

This control over the eye could change how we study vision. It might help scientists replicate different eye diseases in a controlled setting, allowing them to learn about these conditions and the vision loss they cause. Interestingly, the same technique could potentially assist people who are color-blind, helping them perceive missing colors by stimulating specific cones in their retinas.

Typically, our eyes have three types of cones that enable us to see different colors: red, green, and blue. These cones, also called L, M, and S cones based on their light sensitivity, work together to create the colors we see. However, the researchers wondered what would happen if they could isolate the activation of just one type, specifically the M cones.

To investigate this, they named their method "Oz," inspired by the green-tinted glasses from The Wizard of Oz. Using a special technology, they created a detailed map of each participant’s retina, which helps target and stimulate specific cones accurately.

During the experiment, participants viewed a display where the new color "olo" appeared. They experienced it as something much richer than regular green laser light. Some noted it looked "pale" compared to the vividness of olo.

Despite its groundbreaking nature, the Oz system is still limited. For now, participants must fix their gaze on one spot during testing, and they can’t directly look at the display. Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for broader applications.

There’s also potential for this technology to help people with color blindness or to even mimic a rare condition known as tetrachromacy, where individuals possess a fourth type of cone cell, giving them enhanced color sensitivity.

While the researchers recognize that their current setup uses complex lasers and optics unsuitable for everyday devices, the applications are exciting. With further development, these advancements could profoundly impact vision science and our understanding of colors.

For those interested in eye health, this study could signify a step toward innovative treatments and deeper insights into how we interact with the colorful world around us.

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