A team of U.S.-based researchers has announced the discovery of a color that no human has ever seen before. This groundbreaking claim follows an experiment in which laser pulses were directed into the eyes of participants, triggering a unique visual experience. The new color, described as a “blue-green” hue, challenges the limits of human vision and offers new insights into how the brain processes color perception.
How the Color Was Created
Humans typically perceive color through the stimulation of cone cells in the retina. These cones, of which there are three types—L cones (long wavelengths), M cones (medium wavelengths), and S cones (short wavelengths)—respond to different wavelengths of light to create the spectrum of colors we see. However, certain wavelengths of light do not stimulate M cones on their own, leaving an uncharted gap in the color spectrum.
To explore this gap, the research team focused on isolating and stimulating the M cones in the retina. They used a laser scanner to target these cones specifically while minimizing the activation of L and S cones. This precise stimulation created a new color in the participants’ vision—one that falls outside the normal spectrum of human sight.
The result was a color patch in the field of vision that was approximately twice the size of the full moon. Researchers believe this color cannot be accurately represented on screens, and they coined the term “olo” to describe it. According to Ren Ng, an electrical engineer at the University of California, Berkeley, “Seeing it was jaw-dropping. It’s incredibly saturated.”
What Makes “Olo” Different
The color has been described as a “blue-green” but experts agree this label doesn’t do it justice. The color is much richer and more intense than anything humans typically experience. “There’s no way to convey this colour in an article or on a screen,” said vision scientist Austin Roorda. “What we see on a display is merely a dull version. The actual experience is far more vivid.”
The team’s work, which has been dubbed “Oz vision,” relies on a laser system designed to activate only the M cones, resulting in an unprecedented visual experience. While the researchers shared an image of a turquoise square to provide a rough approximation of what the color might look like, they emphasized that this does not fully capture the vibrancy of olo.
Expert Opinions and Debate
While the researchers are enthusiastic about their findings, the claim has sparked some debate within the scientific community. John Barbur, a vision scientist at City St George’s, University of London, challenged the discovery, suggesting that the new color is essentially a highly saturated form of green. He argued that it is simply a visual effect created by the exclusive stimulation of M cones, and not a truly new color outside the known spectrum.
Despite the differing views, the research team believes their method could have significant implications for neuroscience and medical fields. By studying how the brain processes color in this unique way, scientists may gain a better understanding of visual perception and how it relates to brain function. Additionally, this technique could be applied to studying conditions like color blindness or retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Applications and Limitations
Although the discovery has garnered attention, its practical applications remain limited. “This is basic science,” Ren Ng explained. “You won’t see olo on smartphones or TVs. It’s far beyond current virtual reality technology.” While the color olo is unlikely to be available for consumer use in the near future, the technique behind it could offer valuable insights into the inner workings of the human visual system.
The discovery of olo challenges the boundaries of human perception and opens up new possibilities for understanding the brain’s role in visual processing. While its practical applications are still a long way off, the research offers an exciting glimpse into the potential for future advancements in neuroscience and color theory.