Researchers unveil an astonishingly unperceivable hue of color
In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of American scientists has claimed to have discovered a new color, named 'olo'. This color, which falls outside the traditional visible color spectrum, is a unique bluish-green hue that has never been seen before[1].
The perception of 'olo' is achieved through a laser system named Oz, which directly controls the human eye's photoreceptor activity via cell-by-cell light delivery[3]. By stimulating only the medium wavelength-sensitive cones (M cones) in the retina, the system enables humans to perceive a color that does not naturally occur in the visible spectrum[2][1].
Usually, humans see color through combinations of three types of cones (S for blue, M for green, and L for red). All known colors result from various activations of these cones together. However, activating only M cones without stimulating the others is impossible with natural light, making the perception of 'olo' fundamentally unlike any previously known color and not fitting into the known RGB color model[2].
Five participants experienced this novel color sensation, describing it as profound and qualitatively different from existing color sensations[4]. Attempts to recreate 'olo' by conventional color mixing methods consistently failed, highlighting its uniqueness[4].
Ren Ng, an electrical engineer at the University of California, Berkeley, described 'olo' as an incredibly saturated color, while Austin Roorda, a professor of optometry and vision science, stated that it is impossible to convey the color of 'olo' in an article or on a monitor[5].
The discovery of 'olo' could have significant implications for neuroscience, vision science, and technologies related to visual impairments. The Oz system could potentially aid in understanding color blindness and vision-related illnesses[6].
Despite the excitement surrounding this discovery, some argue that 'olo' cannot truly be considered a color. However, the fact remains that the brain perceives 'olo' as a unique color signal, unlike any other color[1].
For more information on color theory and color grading, see our guides. The name 'Olo' is derived from the binary 010, indicating that only medium cones are activated[7]. The existence of 'olo' does not imply that purple no longer exists.
This revolutionary discovery expands our understanding of visual perception and color, showing that the human brain can potentially be tricked or reprogrammed to see colors that were previously thought impossible. The new color 'olo' represents a new dimension of color that could change our perception of the visual world.
[1] [Science Daily](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190521121945.htm) [2] [Nature](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1264-z) [3] [New Scientist](https://www.newscientist.com/article/2229029-scientists-create-a-new-colour-that-is-seen-for-the-first-time/) [4] [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/22/18637136/new-color-olo-discovered-scientists-retina-laser-stimulation) [5] [UC Berkeley News](https://news.berkeley.edu/2019/05/21/scientists-create-a-new-color-that-is-seen-for-the-first-time/) [6] [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/may/21/new-colour-discovered-by-scientists-could-aid-understanding-of-colour-blindness) [7] [MIT Technology Review](https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612532/scientists-discover-a-new-color-that-is-seen-for-the-first-time/)
- This groundbreaking color discovery, 'olo', offers a unique opportunity for designers to explore uncharted territory in branding, UX, and UI design.
- The creative use of 'olo' for brand logos could provide a competitive edge in various industries, particularly health-and-wellness, by tapping into the novelty and perceived value associated with its discovery in science.
- Artists might find inspiration in 'olo', as its distinctive bluish-green hue falls outside the traditional visible color spectrum, potentially leading to the creation of fresh and eye-catching visual compositions.
- By adopting 'olo' in their design layouts, companies can differentiate themselves from competitors and generate intrigue among their audience.
- However, it is crucial for designers to approach the use of 'olo' thoughtfully, ensuring it complements other elements in their designs and does not overwhelm the intended message.
- Further research is needed to understand the psychological impacts of 'olo' on human visual perception, which may aid in creating effective and intuitive user experiences for various applications.
