Researchers claim to have discovered a new color that humans have never perceived before

Scientists unveil an unseen color, "olo", using advanced laser methods.

: U.S. researchers have reportedly discovered a color unseen by humans using laser light to directly stimulate photoreceptors on the retina. The color, named "olo," is described as a blue-green hue with unprecedented saturation, witnessed by a small test group including Professor Ren Ng. However, some scientists like John Barbur remain skeptical, suggesting it's merely an intensified green with limited implications. Ng, known for founding Lytro, emphasized the breakthrough, although others doubt its novelty and impact.

In a groundbreaking development, a group of researchers from the United States has claimed the discovery of a brand-new color, something no human eye has previously perceived. This ambitious endeavor involved a unique approach where the researchers reportedly used laser technology to emit pulses of visible-wavelength laser light directly into the eyes of the participants. This method, they argue, allows the stimulation of individual photoreceptor cells located on the retina, potentially enabling the perception of colors beyond the natural human visual spectrum. The researchers assert that the experimental subjects, five in total, encountered this unprecedentedly saturated blue-green color, which they have named "olo."

Among the participants and a co-author of the study, Professor Ren Ng of the University of California remarked on the astonishing outcome. Ng noted that while the team anticipated a distinctive color signal would emerge, the actual visual experience was surprisingly "jaw-dropping." Ng's background in optics is noteworthy; he founded Lytro in 2006, a company known for innovating light-field cameras. These cameras introduced technology permitting images to be refocused after capture, a feature that has since become standard in modern smartphone photography.

Despite the claim, skepticism remains among some in the scientific community. Vision scientist John Barbur from City St George's, University of London, expressed doubts about the team's findings. Barbur suggested that rather than unveiling a new color, what the researchers observed was likely an enhanced saturation of green. He critiqued the study's significance by asserting that it holds "limited value" for the scientific field.

The research is not just notable for its potential implications in optical science but also for the accomplished individuals involved. Ren Ng had previously caught the attention of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who met with Ng in 2011 to discuss potential collaborations. Although Jobs passed away shortly after this meeting, Ng's influence remained evident as Lytro continued to develop before its eventual closure in 2018. Their ongoing work displays a consistent pursuit of technological progression in optics and color perception.

The findings related to this innovative experiment are detailed in their publication in Science Advances, under the title "Novel color via stimulation of individual photoreceptors at population scale." This document offers more insights into the methods and implications of their color discovery process, reflecting both the potential and contentious nature of their work. Despite varying perspectives, the research showcases an intriguing intersection of cutting-edge technology, vision science, and optical innovation.

Sources: TechSpot, Science Advances, The Guardian

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