Olo (US:OLO) The Economic Times·2025-12-29 09:02Core Insights - A team of researchers has enabled five individuals to perceive a new color named "olo," an intensely saturated blue-green hue not found in the natural visible spectrum [1][7] Group 1: Human Color Perception - Human color vision is determined by three types of cone cells (S, M, and L cones) in the retina, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light [2][7] - The overlapping sensitivities of these cone types limit the range of colors that can be perceived, particularly in the blue-green spectrum [2][7] Group 2: Research Breakthrough - Researchers utilized an ultra-precise laser system to stimulate only the M cones, which are most sensitive to green light, allowing participants to see the new color [3][7] - Participants described the experience of seeing "olo" as extraordinary, noting that even vivid natural colors appeared washed out in comparison [3][7] Group 3: Validation and Testing - Color matching tests confirmed that participants consistently adjusted controls toward an intense teal when comparing "olo" with standard visible spectrum colors [4][8] - Further tests indicated that "olo" needed to be diluted with white light to resemble conventional hues, supporting claims of its greater intensity [4][8] Group 4: Future Applications - The discovery suggests potential applications for individuals with color blindness, as the technique may allow them to experience a broader range of colors [5][6][8] - Researchers are also exploring whether normal vision individuals could be enabled to perceive more colors than currently possible, potentially mimicking the experience of tetrachromats [6][8] Group 5: Current Limitations - Currently, the ability to see "olo" is limited to a small number of researchers, as setting up the laser system for new participants requires several days [6][8] - Controlled experiments are prioritized, with early results on color blindness and expanded color perception expected next year [6][8]