Named “olo”, it is only identifiable from laser stimuli in retina cells
In a study published on Friday (18.abr.2025) by the magazine Science AdvancesUS researchers say they possibly discovered a new color.
Baptized from “olo”it cannot be seen with the naked eye. To identify it, retinal-specific stimuli with laser pulses are required. Only then does it reach the extremely saturated green, according to scientists. Here’s the full ( – 5 MB).
The technique, nicknamed “Oz vision”, is based on the precise mapping of the retina to locate and stimulate the M cells, which are responsible for the perception of color.
The novelty is the use of an adjusted laser to activate only these cells, creating the experience of “olo” Without the influence of natural light, which usually activates a combination of cones cells.
The name “olo” comes from binary representation 010, in reference to the exclusive activation of M cells. However, scientists have not yet defined whether “olo” can be defined as a new color or if it is just a more saturated variation of green.
“We confirm a partial expansion of the color space towards this theoretical ideal”, state the researchers.
The discovery has practical implications, especially in the study of visual diseases such as pigmentary retinite and the understanding of color blindness.
