Quick Read
- Scientists at UC Berkeley have discovered a new color named ‘olo.’
- The color is perceived through laser stimulation of specific retinal cells.
- ‘Olo’ is described as a highly saturated blue-green, unlike any natural color.
- The discovery could advance research on vision disorders and color perception.
- The findings were published in the journal Science Advances.
What is ‘Olo’ and Why is it Unique?
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, have unveiled a new color, termed ‘olo.’ This color, described as a highly saturated blue-green, was perceived by five individuals during an experiment involving laser stimulation of specific retinal cells. The discovery, published in the journal Science Advances, challenges the limits of human color perception and offers new insights into how our brain interprets visual stimuli.
How ‘Olo’ Was Discovered
The human eye perceives colors through specialized cells in the retina called cones, which are sensitive to three types of light wavelengths: long (L), medium (M), and short (S). Natural light typically stimulates a combination of these cones, creating the spectrum of colors we see. However, the M cones, which are sensitive to medium wavelengths, are rarely stimulated in isolation by natural light.
To overcome this limitation, the Berkeley team developed a technique called ‘Oz Vision.’ Using advanced laser and tracking technology, they mapped the retina to pinpoint the exact locations of M cones. A laser was then used to stimulate these cones individually, creating a visual experience that cannot be replicated by natural light or conventional displays.
What Does ‘Olo’ Look Like?
According to the researchers, ‘olo’ is a highly saturated blue-green color, somewhat similar to turquoise. However, they emphasize that this description does not fully capture the richness of the experience. “We predicted from the beginning that it would look like an unprecedented color signal, but we didn’t know what the brain would do with it,” said Ren Ng, an electrical engineer at UC Berkeley. “It was jaw-dropping. It’s incredibly saturated.”
To provide a visual approximation, the team shared an image of a turquoise square, but they stressed that this representation pales in comparison to the actual experience of ‘olo.’ “There is no way to convey that color in an article or on a monitor,” said Austin Roorda, a vision scientist on the team.
Scientific and Practical Implications
The discovery of ‘olo’ is not just a novelty; it has significant implications for the field of vision science. By isolating and stimulating specific cones, researchers can explore fundamental questions about how the brain processes visual information. This could lead to advancements in understanding color blindness and vision disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa.
“This is basic science,” said Ng. “We’re not going to see ‘olo’ on any smartphone displays or any TVs any time soon. And this is very, very far beyond VR headset technology.” The researchers believe that their technique could eventually be used to develop new diagnostic tools or therapies for vision-related conditions.
Controversy and Skepticism
While the discovery has been hailed as groundbreaking, it has also faced skepticism from some experts. John Barbur, a vision scientist at City, St George’s, University of London, argued that the experiment does not represent a truly new color. “It is not a new color,” Barbur said. “It’s a more saturated green that can only be produced in a subject with normal red-green chromatic mechanisms when the only input comes from M cones.” He also described the work as having “limited value.”
Despite the criticism, the Berkeley team maintains that their findings offer a unique glimpse into the untapped potential of human vision. “The whole point is that this is not the color we see; it’s just not,” said Roorda. “The color we see is a version of it, but it absolutely pales by comparison with the experience of ‘olo.’”
For now, ‘olo’ remains an exclusive experience, accessible only through the specialized laser stimulation used in the experiment. The researchers are not planning to commercialize the technology, as it is still in the realm of basic science. However, the technique could pave the way for future innovations in vision research and technology. As our understanding of the human visual system continues to evolve, discoveries like ‘olo’ remind us of the untapped potential of our senses. While most of us may never experience this new color firsthand, its existence challenges our assumptions about the limits of human perception and opens new avenues for scientific exploration.