“Olo” Unveiled: Scientists Claim Discovery of a Never-Before-Seen Color

In a groundbreaking scientific development, researchers in the United States have introduced the world to what they believe is a completely new color—one that the human eye has never naturally perceived. This mysterious color, dubbed “olo,” was observed during a highly specialized experiment that involved directing laser pulses into participants’ eyes to stimulate specific retinal cells.

The study, which appeared in the journal Science Advances, was a collaborative effort by scientists from UC Berkeley and the University of Washington. Professor Ren Ng of the University of California, one of the lead researchers and co-authors, described the results as “remarkable,” adding that the findings could significantly influence future research, particularly in understanding and addressing color blindness.

The experiment made use of a unique device known as “Oz,” a tool designed using an array of lasers, mirrors, and optics. This machine was engineered to stimulate only the M cones in the retina—those that detect mid-range wavelengths typically associated with green—while avoiding activation of the overlapping L (red) and S (blue) cones, which usually contribute to the perception of color combinations in everyday vision.

Under typical conditions, our visual system interprets colors based on signals from all three types of cone cells—S, M, and L. These cells work together, responding to different wavelengths of light, which blend into the spectrum of colors we know. However, in this experiment, by isolating the M cone response, the participants saw something entirely new—a color not created by overlapping wavelengths, making olo a unique sensory experience.

Five volunteers with normal color vision participated in the study, including Professor Ng himself. Each was subjected to a laser beam aimed into one eye, and all reported witnessing a color unlike anything previously seen. Interestingly, three of the participants were also co-authors of the published paper, further validating their direct experience with the newly perceived hue.

Describing the sensation of seeing olo, Professor Ng gave a vivid analogy during an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today program. He likened the experience to living a life only ever seeing pastel pink and then suddenly encountering a much more intense version of it—so vivid and different that it feels like a new color entirely. According to the participants, olo appears as a deep, highly saturated blue-green tone not found in nature under normal lighting conditions.

To verify their perception, the researchers had the participants use a dial to adjust and replicate the color they had seen. All five individuals were able to match the same hue closely, supporting the claim that olo is more than just an illusion or individual variation. Still, its visibility relies on precise artificial stimulation, making it inaccessible in everyday environments without specialized equipment.

Despite the excitement surrounding the discovery, some experts remain cautious. Professor John Barbur of City St George’s, University of London, praised the experiment’s technological sophistication but questioned whether it truly constitutes a new color. He explained that changing how cone cells are stimulated can alter color intensity and brightness without necessarily expanding the visible color spectrum.

Even so, the research team remains optimistic. While acknowledging the complexity and rarity of recreating olo, Professor Ng believes this discovery could one day help those with color vision deficiencies. By uncovering new ways to activate and manipulate cone cell responses, scientists may develop tools to expand the visual experience for individuals who see the world in fewer shades than most.