In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have introduced a color previously unseen by the human eye, named olo. This vibrant bluegreen hue challenges our understanding of color perception and opens new avenues in visual science.
Engineering a New Color
The discovery stems from a novel technique that directly stimulates specific photoreceptor cells in the retina. By using precise laser pulses, scientists targeted the mediumwavelength M cones without activating the short S or long L cones. This selective stimulation produced a unique color experience, described as a saturated teal unlike any naturally occurring color. citeturn0news15
The Oz System: A Technological Marvel
Central to this discovery is the Oz system, named after the greentinted glasses in The Wizard of Oz. This advanced setup combines adaptive optics and laser technology to map and stimulate individual M cones in the retina. The result is the perception of olo, a color that cannot be replicated through traditional means or displayed on standard screens. citeturn0news15
Implications for Visual Science
The ability to evoke a new color sensation has significant implications. It offers a deeper understanding of how our visual system processes color and could lead to innovative treatments for color vision deficiencies. Additionally, this research may pave the way for technologies that expand human color perception beyond its natural limits. citeturn0news15
Artistic Interpretations
While olo remains a laboratory phenomenon, artists are inspired by its concept. British artist Stuart Semple has attempted to recreate the color in paint form, naming his version yolo. Although it doesnt perfectly match the labinduced olo, it represents an effort to bring this unique hue into the artistic realm. citeturn0news12
A Glimpse into the Future
The discovery of olo not only challenges existing color theories but also exemplifies the intersection of science and perception. As technology advances, we may soon experience colors and sensations previously deemed impossible, expanding our sensory horizons.
Note: The perception of olo is currently limited to controlled laboratory settings and cannot be experienced through conventional displays or natural observation.