In a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, have announced the discovery of a new color, named "olo," which challenges the limits of human vision. This unprecedented hue, described as an extremely saturated blue-green, was perceived by volunteers through a unique technique involving laser stimulation of specific retinal cells.
The research, which was made public in April 2025, involved five participants who experienced olo as they were subjected to laser pulses targeting the M cones in their retinas. These cones are responsible for green perception and, under normal circumstances, are stimulated alongside other cones, leading to a mix of colors. However, the technique, dubbed "Oz Vision," isolates the M cones, creating a visual experience that cannot be replicated by natural light.
According to Ren Ng, one of the study's authors, olo is "more saturated than any color you can see in the real world." Ng elaborated on the significance of this discovery by likening it to someone who has spent their life seeing only pastel colors suddenly encountering a vibrant hue they never knew existed. The potential implications of this discovery extend beyond mere curiosity; they may pave the way for advancements in medical treatments for color blindness and other visual impairments.
During the experiment, participants adjusted a projected hue to match their perception of olo, leading to a unique visual experience. The hue was compared to a vibrant turquoise, similar to Pantone's 333U, but with a saturation that exceeds observable colors in the natural world. The participants described the experience as astonishing, akin to seeing something beyond their everyday reality.
Despite the excitement surrounding the discovery, some experts remain skeptical about whether olo should be classified as a new color. John Barbur, a scientist at City St George's, University of London, acknowledged the technological achievement of selectively stimulating cone cells but questioned the classification of olo as a distinct color. He suggested that it may simply be a more intense variation of existing hues.
The Oz technique, inspired by the fictional Emerald City from "The Wizard of Oz," utilizes a combination of low-intensity lasers and eye-tracking systems to precisely stimulate M cones. This method allows researchers to create signals that the brain interprets as colors that do not occur in nature. The study's authors claim that they have achieved a partial expansion of the color space toward a theoretical maximum, offering a glimpse into the potential for future advancements in color perception.
However, the study's methodology has drawn criticism due to the small sample size of only five participants, three of whom are co-authors of the study. Critics argue that this raises concerns about bias and the generalizability of the findings. The limited number of participants may hinder the ability to draw definitive conclusions about the nature of olo.
Looking ahead, the implications of the discovery are profound. The ability to manipulate color perception could revolutionize treatments for conditions like color blindness, which affects approximately 8% of men and 0.5% of women worldwide. Furthermore, the technology could enhance virtual reality experiences, allowing users to perceive colors beyond the natural spectrum.
As researchers continue to explore the potential applications of olo, they face challenges, including the complexity and cost of the technology used in the experiment. The safety of long-term exposure to laser pulses on the retina is still under investigation, and the feasibility of reproducing olo in commercial devices remains uncertain.
Despite these hurdles, the Berkeley team is optimistic about future studies that will involve larger sample sizes and explore other forms of retinal stimulation. The goal is not only to solidify the discovery of olo but also to investigate whether additional colors can be created through similar techniques.
This research has broader implications for society, prompting philosophical questions about the nature of perception and reality. The introduction of a color that can only be seen through technology challenges traditional concepts of what is natural and raises discussions about the role of science in expanding human experience.
In conclusion, the discovery of olo marks a significant milestone in the field of vision science, offering exciting possibilities for medical advancements and technological innovations. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of color perception, the potential for new discoveries remains vast, inviting future generations to explore the uncharted territories of human vision.
