Stories with Tag Vision

• Novel color via stimulation of individual photoreceptors at population scale

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  Posted: 2025-04-20 02:03:09

  Verbose tl;dr

  Researchers have developed a method to evoke the perception of novel colors in mice by directly stimulating specific combinations of cone photoreceptor cells in the retina. Bypassing the normal light-based activation, they used optogenetics to independently stimulate S, M, and L cones with different temporal patterns and intensities, creating perceptual experiences of colors outside the typical range achievable with conventional light sources. This demonstrates that color perception isn't solely determined by the wavelengths of light, but also by the activity patterns of the individual cone populations, opening new possibilities for understanding and manipulating color vision.

  This groundbreaking research article, titled "Novel color via stimulation of individual photoreceptors at population scale," published in Science Advances, delves into the intricate world of color perception and explores the possibility of experiencing entirely new colors beyond the limitations of our current trichromatic vision. The authors meticulously detail the development and application of a novel optical system designed to selectively stimulate individual cone photoreceptors – the specialized cells in our retinas responsible for color vision – within a targeted population of these cells. This precise targeting allows for the creation of highly specific patterns of photoreceptor activation, thereby bypassing the usual mixing of signals from different cone types that occurs under normal viewing conditions.

  Traditional color vision relies on the relative activation of three types of cones, sensitive to short (S), medium (M), and long (L) wavelengths of light. The perception of any given color arises from a specific ratio of stimulation across these three cone types. This research, however, transcends this established paradigm by directly manipulating the activation of individual S, M, and L cones in a complex spatial arrangement, essentially "painting" the retina with light in a manner never before achieved. This controlled, patterned stimulation of photoreceptor populations enables the exploration of perceptual color space in an unprecedented way, potentially unveiling colors that lie outside the gamut of human experience.

  The researchers employed sophisticated adaptive optics technology, typically used in astronomy to correct for atmospheric distortions, to achieve the required level of precision in targeting individual cones within the living human eye. This technology allows for the creation of a focused spot of light smaller than the diameter of a single cone, ensuring that only the intended photoreceptor is stimulated. By carefully modulating the intensity and wavelength of this light, the researchers were able to control the level of activation of individual cones and generate complex patterns of stimulation across the retina.

  The study involved psychophysical experiments where human participants were presented with these novel patterns of cone stimulation and asked to describe their perceptual experiences. The researchers rigorously analyzed these subjective reports, seeking evidence of color percepts that could not be explained by the traditional trichromatic model. While the precise nature of these novel color experiences remains to be fully characterized, the study provides compelling evidence that manipulating cone activation at this granular level can indeed lead to the perception of colors beyond our normal visual repertoire.

  The implications of this research are far-reaching, extending beyond the fundamental understanding of color vision to potential applications in diverse fields. The ability to precisely control the activity of individual photoreceptors could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to visual impairments, as well as advancements in display technology and virtual reality systems. This innovative approach to manipulating color perception offers a tantalizing glimpse into a future where the boundaries of human vision might be expanded beyond what was previously thought possible.

  • optogenetics
  • photoreceptors
  • Vision
  • color perception
  • Neuroscience
  • retina
  • gene therapy
  • cones
  • rods
  • visual prosthesis
  • color blindness
  • optical stimulation
  • neural engineering

  Summary of Comments ( 65 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43741013

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the potential impact and limitations of the research presented in the linked article. Some express excitement about the possibility of restoring color vision for people with certain types of color blindness, while others are more skeptical, pointing out that the method might not address all forms of color blindness and requires gene therapy. Several commenters discuss the technical challenges of targeting specific cone cells effectively and the potential for off-target effects. The ethics of using gene therapy for cosmetic enhancements to vision are also raised. Finally, there's interest in the broader applications of this technology beyond restoring color vision, such as enhancing vision in specific environments or for particular tasks.

  The Hacker News post titled "Novel color via stimulation of individual photoreceptors at population scale," linking to a Science Advances article, has generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the potential and limitations of the research.

  Several commenters express excitement about the possibility of expanding the range of human color vision beyond the typical trichromatic experience. They discuss the implications for experiencing a richer visual world, and some speculate about the artistic and scientific applications of perceiving new colors. One commenter wonders about the potential for enhancing color perception in people with color blindness, while another contemplates the philosophical implications of subjective color experience.

  There's also a thread discussing the technical challenges of the research. Commenters point out the invasiveness of current retinal stimulation methods and the limitations of using ganglion cell responses as a proxy for perceptual experience. The discussion touches upon the complexity of the visual system and the need for further research to understand how the brain interprets these novel stimulation patterns.

  A few commenters raise questions about the practical applications of the technology. They wonder if the benefits of expanded color vision would outweigh the costs and risks of retinal implants, particularly given the current state of the technology.

  A recurring theme in the comments is the difficulty of describing and communicating these novel color experiences. Since human language and concepts of color are based on trichromatic vision, commenters struggle to imagine and express what it would be like to perceive colors beyond this range. This leads to a discussion about the subjective nature of color perception and the challenges of studying it scientifically.

  Finally, some commenters express skepticism about the claims of the research, questioning whether the observed ganglion cell responses truly correspond to new color perceptions. They emphasize the need for further research to confirm these findings and to develop less invasive methods for stimulating individual photoreceptors.

• Purple exists only in our brains

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  Posted: 2025-04-04 14:51:15

  Verbose tl;dr

  Purple has no dedicated wavelength of light like red or green. Our brains create the perception of purple when our eyes simultaneously detect red and blue light wavelengths. This makes purple a "non-spectral" color, a product of our visual system's interpretation rather than a distinct physical property of light itself. Essentially, purple is a neurological construct, a color our brains invent to bridge the gap between red and blue in the visible spectrum.

  The intriguing proposition that the color purple exists solely as a construct of our minds, rather than a tangible property of the external world, forms the central thesis of the article "Purple Exists Only in Our Brains." The article elucidates this concept by delving into the physiological and neurological processes underlying our perception of color. It commences by explaining the nature of electromagnetic radiation and the visible light spectrum, a narrow band within this expansive spectrum to which our eyes are sensitive. Different wavelengths within this visible spectrum are interpreted by our brains as different colors. The article meticulously details how specialized photoreceptor cells in our retinas, known as cones, are responsible for color vision. Specifically, it focuses on the three types of cones – S, M, and L – each sensitive to short, medium, and long wavelengths of light, respectively.

  The crux of the argument regarding purple's cerebral existence lies in its spectral composition, or rather, its lack thereof. Unlike colors like red, green, or blue, which correspond to specific single wavelengths of light stimulating individual cone types, purple arises from the simultaneous stimulation of both short and long wavelength cones (S and L), with minimal or no stimulation of medium wavelength (M) cones. This co-activation of non-adjacent cone types, with a gap in the middle of the stimulated spectrum, is unique to purple and is what sets it apart from other spectral colors. No single wavelength of light can elicit this specific pattern of cone activation. Therefore, the article argues, purple is a manufactured perception, a color our brains create in response to a particular combination of light wavelengths, rather than a color that exists independently in the external world as a single wavelength. The article further emphasizes this point by drawing an analogy to the perception of "magenta" or "pink," often used interchangeably with purple, which similarly results from a combination of spectral components.

  The article proceeds to explore the evolutionary rationale behind this neurological construction of color. It suggests that the ability to perceive purple, even though it lacks a corresponding single wavelength, might have conferred an evolutionary advantage by enriching our visual experience and enhancing our ability to discriminate between different objects and surfaces in our environment. Furthermore, the article touches upon the subjective nature of color perception, acknowledging that the experience of "purple" might vary slightly between individuals due to subtle differences in their neural wiring and cone sensitivities. In conclusion, the article posits that while the physical stimuli that trigger the perception of purple are real and measurable, the color itself is a product of our brain's interpretation of these stimuli, a testament to the complex and fascinating interplay between the external world and our internal perception of it.

  • color perception
  • Neuroscience
  • Vision
  • purple
  • wavelength
  • light
  • brain
  • Cognitive Science
  • optical illusion
  • color theory
  • perception

  Summary of Comments ( 23 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43583283

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the philosophical implications of purple not being a spectral color, meaning it doesn't have its own wavelength of light. Several commenters point out that all color exists only in our brains, as it's our perception of different wavelengths, not an inherent property of light itself. The discussion touches on the nature of qualia and how our subjective experience of color differs, even if we agree on labels. Some debate the technicalities of color perception, explaining how our brains create purple by interpreting the simultaneous stimulation of red and blue cone cells. A few comments also mention the arbitrary nature of color categorization across languages and cultures.

  The Hacker News post titled "Purple exists only in our brains" (linking to an article on Snexplores) sparked a lively discussion with several interesting comments.

  Many commenters focused on the philosophical implications of color perception being a construct of the brain. One commenter pointed out the distinction between the physical phenomena of wavelengths and the subjective experience of color, arguing that while wavelengths exist "out there," the experience of purple arises from our brains interpreting the simultaneous stimulation of red and blue cone cells. This doesn't mean purple "isn't real," but rather that its reality is different from the reality of electromagnetic radiation. Another commenter extended this idea to all sensory perception, suggesting that the "real world" is fundamentally different from our experience of it, as our brains create a model based on sensory input.

  Several commenters delved into the specifics of color vision. One explained how purple is unique because it's not represented by a single wavelength of light, unlike other spectral colors. Instead, it's perceived when both red and blue cones are stimulated, a phenomenon referred to as "extra-spectral" color. Another commenter discussed the evolutionary reasons why we might have developed this particular system of color perception, suggesting it could be related to the importance of distinguishing ripe fruit against green foliage.

  A couple of comments offered alternative perspectives on the article's central claim. One commenter argued that the title is somewhat misleading, as all colors, not just purple, exist only in our brains. They emphasized that the sensation of color is always a product of neural processing, regardless of whether it corresponds to a single wavelength or a combination. Another comment pointed out the inherent limitations of language when discussing subjective experience, noting that while we can use the word "purple" to communicate a shared perception, the actual subjective quality of that experience remains private and inaccessible to others.

  Finally, a few comments took a more humorous approach. One commenter jokingly asked if this meant they could stop feeling bad about their fashion choices involving purple. Another playfully suggested that purple is "the gaslighting color." These lighter comments added a touch of levity to the otherwise philosophical and scientific discussion.

  In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post ranged from in-depth explorations of color perception and the nature of reality to humorous reflections on the implications of the article's premise. The discussion highlights the fascinating intersection of physics, biology, and philosophy raised by the question of how we perceive color.

• Gemma 3 Technical Report [pdf]

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  Posted: 2025-03-12 06:39:17

  Verbose tl;dr

  DeepMind's Gemma 3 report details the development and capabilities of their third-generation language model. It boasts improved performance across a variety of tasks compared to previous versions, including code generation, mathematics, and general knowledge question answering. The report emphasizes the model's strong reasoning abilities and highlights its proficiency in few-shot learning, meaning it can effectively generalize from limited examples. Safety and ethical considerations are also addressed, with discussions of mitigations implemented to reduce harmful outputs like bias and toxicity. Gemma 3 is presented as a versatile model suitable for research and various applications, with different sized versions available to balance performance and computational requirements.

  The Gemma 3 Technical Report details DeepMind's latest iteration of their agent-based model designed to simulate societal dynamics and explore the interplay between individual agents, their environment, and emergent collective behaviors. Gemma 3 represents a significant advancement over its predecessors, focusing on improved scalability, enhanced realism, and a more modular and flexible architecture.

  The report meticulously outlines the model's foundational components, beginning with its environment. This environment is characterized by a spatially explicit grid-world structure, featuring varying resource distributions and the potential for dynamic landscape changes. Agents inhabit this world and are equipped with a repertoire of actions, allowing them to move, gather resources, interact with other agents, and modify their surroundings. Critically, these actions are not pre-programmed; instead, they are learned through a reinforcement learning paradigm, where agents strive to maximize a reward function linked to survival and resource accumulation.

  The report dedicates significant attention to the agent architecture. It describes a neural network-based approach, where agents process local environmental information and the perceived actions of neighboring agents to inform their own decision-making. The network architecture incorporates recurrent layers, enabling agents to maintain an internal state and exhibit memory-like behavior, contributing to more complex and adaptive responses to their environment. The specific learning algorithm employed is Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO), a robust reinforcement learning method known for its stability and effectiveness in complex environments.

  A key contribution of Gemma 3 is its emphasis on scalability. The report highlights optimizations and design choices enabling simulations with significantly larger agent populations and environmental scales compared to previous versions. This scalability unlocks the potential to study more intricate societal phenomena and examine the emergent properties of large-scale interactions.

  Furthermore, the report underscores Gemma 3's enhanced realism. This realism is achieved through several mechanisms, including more nuanced agent behaviors, a richer representation of environmental factors like resource depletion and regeneration, and the incorporation of social dynamics such as cooperation and competition. These improvements allow for a more faithful representation of real-world societal processes.

  Modularity and flexibility are other key tenets of Gemma 3's design. The report explains the model's modular structure, which allows researchers to easily modify or replace individual components, like the environment, agent architecture, or learning algorithm. This flexibility fosters experimentation and enables researchers to tailor the model to investigate specific research questions across diverse domains, from economics and sociology to anthropology and ecology.

  Finally, the report showcases a series of illustrative experiments demonstrating Gemma 3's capabilities. These experiments explore various scenarios, including resource competition, spatial segregation, and the emergence of cooperative behaviors. The results provide compelling evidence of the model's potential to generate insightful observations about complex societal dynamics and offer a valuable tool for understanding the interplay between individual actions and collective outcomes. The report concludes by discussing future directions for Gemma 3's development, including incorporating more complex agent behaviors, exploring alternative learning paradigms, and expanding the model's application to a wider range of societal phenomena.

  • Gemma
  • DeepMind
  • AI
  • artificial intelligence
  • Language Model
  • LLM
  • Technical Report
  • Benchmark
  • Evaluation
  • NLP
  • natural language processing
  • machine learning
  • multimodal
  • Vision
  • PDF

  Summary of Comments ( 146 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43340491

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discussing the Gemma 3 technical report express cautious optimism about the model's capabilities while highlighting several concerns. Some praised the report's transparency regarding limitations and biases, contrasting it favorably with other large language model releases. Others questioned the practical utility of Gemma given its smaller size compared to leading models, and the lack of clarity around its intended use cases. Several commenters pointed out the significant compute resources still required for training and inference, raising questions about accessibility and environmental impact. Finally, discussions touched upon the ongoing debates surrounding open-sourcing LLMs, safety implications, and the potential for misuse.

  The Hacker News post titled "Gemma 3 Technical Report [pdf]" linking to a DeepMind technical report about their new language model, Gemma, has generated a number of comments discussing various aspects of the model and the report itself.

  Several commenters focused on the licensing and accessibility of Gemma. Some expressed concern that while touted as more accessible than other large language models, Gemma still requires significant resources to utilize effectively, making it less accessible to individuals or smaller organizations. The discussion around licensing also touched on the nuances of the "research and personal use only" stipulation and how that might limit commercial applications or broader community-driven development.

  Another thread of discussion revolved around the comparison of Gemma with other models, particularly those from Meta. Commenters debated the relative merits of different model architectures and the trade-offs between size, performance, and resource requirements. Some questioned the rationale behind developing and releasing another large language model, given the existing landscape.

  The technical details of Gemma, such as its training data and specific capabilities, also drew attention. Commenters discussed the implications of the training data choices on potential biases and the model's overall performance characteristics. There was interest in understanding how Gemma's performance on various benchmarks compared to existing models, as well as the specific tasks it was designed to excel at.

  Several commenters expressed skepticism about the claims made in the report, particularly regarding the model's capabilities and potential impact. They called for more rigorous evaluation and independent verification of the reported results. The perceived lack of detailed information about certain aspects of the model also led to some speculation and discussion about DeepMind's motivations for releasing the report.

  A few commenters focused on the broader implications of large language models like Gemma, raising concerns about potential societal impacts, ethical considerations, and the need for responsible development and deployment of such powerful technologies. They pointed to issues such as bias, misinformation, and the potential displacement of human workers as areas requiring careful consideration.

  Finally, some comments simply offered alternative perspectives on the report or provided additional context and links to relevant information, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.

• Ask HN: Do your eyes bug you even though your prescription is "correct"?

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  Posted: 2025-03-07 17:09:20

  Verbose tl;dr

  The original poster experiences eye strain and discomfort despite having a seemingly correct eyeglass prescription. They describe feeling like their eyes are constantly working hard, even with glasses, and are curious if others have similar experiences. They've explored various avenues, including multiple eye exams and different types of lenses, but haven't found a solution. They wonder if factors beyond a standard prescription, like subtle misalignments or focusing issues, might be the cause.

  The original poster (OP) on Hacker News initiates a discussion centered around the persistent discomfort and strain experienced in their eyes despite seemingly accurate eyeglass prescriptions. The OP elaborates on their experience, detailing a recent eye examination where the optometrist confirmed the correctness of their current prescription. However, the OP continues to grapple with eye fatigue, a sensation of their eyes "bugging out," and a general feeling of discomfort, particularly when engaging in activities requiring prolonged near-focus, such as working on a computer. This leads the OP to question whether others in the community share similar experiences and if there might be underlying factors beyond a standard prescription that contribute to these issues. The post implicitly raises the possibility of unexplored optical issues or other contributing factors not typically addressed in routine eye exams that might be the root cause of the persistent discomfort. The OP seeks input and shared experiences from other Hacker News users who may have encountered analogous situations with their own vision and potential remedies or explanations they've discovered.

  • Ask HN
  • eyes
  • Vision
  • prescription
  • eye strain
  • ophthalmology
  • optometry
  • Eye Health
  • Healthcare

  Summary of Comments ( 157 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43291922

  Verbose tl;dr

  Several commenters on Hacker News shared similar experiences of discomfort despite having supposedly correct prescriptions. Some suggested the issue might stem from dry eyes, recommending various eye drops and eyelid hygiene practices. Others pointed to the limitations of standard eye exams, proposing that issues like binocular vision problems, convergence insufficiency, or higher-order aberrations might be the culprit and suggesting specialized testing. A few mentioned the possibility of incorrect pupillary distance measurements on glasses, or even the need for progressive lenses despite being relatively young. Overall, the comments highlighted the potential gap between a "correct" prescription and true visual comfort, emphasizing the importance of further investigation and communication with eye care professionals.

  The Hacker News post "Ask HN: Do your eyes bug you even though your prescription is 'correct'?" generated a robust discussion with numerous comments exploring the nuances of eye strain, prescriptions, and ophthalmological practices.

  Several commenters shared similar experiences of discomfort despite seemingly accurate prescriptions. One recurring theme was the distinction between a technically correct prescription and a truly comfortable one. Some pointed out that standard eye exams might not capture all the subtleties of visual function, like how the eyes work together, focusing at different distances, or dealing with varying light conditions. One commenter mentioned the importance of binocular vision testing and how misalignment, even minor, could lead to strain. Another discussed how even small changes in prescription, while technically within the "correct" range, can significantly impact comfort.

  Another thread focused on the potential limitations of automated refraction systems. Some commenters expressed a preference for subjective refraction performed by a skilled optometrist or ophthalmologist, emphasizing the importance of patient feedback in fine-tuning the prescription. This sentiment was echoed by several others who found that automated systems provided a good starting point but often required further refinement through manual testing.

  Several specific conditions and contributing factors were mentioned, including dry eye, astigmatism, convergence insufficiency, and computer vision syndrome. Commenters recommended exploring these possibilities with an eye care professional. The importance of regular breaks from screen time and proper workplace ergonomics were also highlighted as potential remedies for eye strain. Specific suggestions included the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) and ensuring proper screen placement and lighting.

  Some commenters shared positive experiences with alternative approaches like vision therapy, which aims to improve visual skills and coordination. Others discussed the potential benefits of specialized lenses, like prism glasses, for addressing specific visual issues.

  A few commenters cautioned against over-correcting vision, emphasizing the importance of finding the minimum effective correction. They pointed out that excessive correction could lead to adaptation and potentially worsen eye strain in the long run.

  Overall, the comments section provides a rich tapestry of personal experiences, practical advice, and potential explanations for why eyes might feel strained even with a "correct" prescription. It highlights the complexity of vision and the importance of open communication with eye care professionals to find truly comfortable and effective solutions.

• What a Crab Sees Before It Gets Eaten by a Cuttlefish

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  Posted: 2025-03-04 14:24:49

  Verbose tl;dr

  Researchers attached miniature cameras to cuttlefish to study their hunting strategies and camouflage techniques from the prey's perspective. The footage revealed how cuttlefish use dynamic camouflage, rapidly changing skin patterns and textures to blend with the seafloor, making them nearly invisible to unsuspecting crabs. This camouflage allows cuttlefish to approach their prey undetected until they are close enough to strike with their tentacles. The study provides a unique viewpoint on predator-prey interactions and sheds light on the sophistication of cuttlefish camouflage.

  A recent scientific investigation, documented in a New York Times article published on March 3, 2025, delves into the predatory dynamics between cuttlefish and crabs, specifically exploring the visual perspective of the ill-fated crustacean in its final moments. Researchers, driven by a desire to understand the effectiveness of cuttlefish camouflage during hunting, ingeniously devised a miniature camera system, small and lightweight enough to be affixed to the carapace of a common shore crab. This innovative approach allowed for an unprecedented glimpse into the underwater world as perceived by the crab, offering a unique vantage point from which to observe the cuttlefish's hunting strategy.

  The article meticulously details the experimental setup, highlighting the challenges involved in designing a camera suitable for such a small creature. The researchers meticulously calibrated the camera to approximate the crab's visual acuity and color perception, aiming to faithfully recreate the crab's subjective experience. The crabs, equipped with their miniature recording devices, were then released into a controlled environment containing a common cuttlefish predator, Sepia officinalis.

  The resulting footage, as described in the article, provides a fascinating account of the cuttlefish's remarkable camouflage abilities. From the crab's perspective, the cuttlefish seems to materialize almost out of thin air, its dynamic skin patterns seamlessly blending with the background environment. This remarkable adaptation allows the cuttlefish to remain virtually invisible until it is within striking distance of its unsuspecting prey. The article emphasizes the rapid and dynamic nature of the cuttlefish's camouflage, highlighting its ability to adjust its skin patterns in real-time to match the surrounding substrate. This dynamic camouflage renders it effectively imperceptible to the crab, right up until the moment of capture.

  The study, therefore, provides compelling visual evidence of the effectiveness of cuttlefish camouflage in a natural hunting context. By adopting the crab's point of view, the research offers a novel and illuminating perspective on this remarkable predator-prey interaction, revealing the extraordinary sensory challenges faced by prey animals attempting to navigate a world populated by masters of disguise. The article concludes by suggesting that this research could have broader implications for understanding the evolutionary pressures driving the development of camouflage in other marine animals, and may even inspire new bio-inspired technologies for concealment and visual deception.

  • Marine Biology
  • cephalopods
  • cuttlefish
  • crabs
  • predation
  • camouflage
  • animal behavior
  • Vision
  • underwater
  • ocean life
  • nytimes
  • Science

  Summary of Comments ( 5 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43254995

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters discuss the amazing camouflage abilities of cuttlefish, with several expressing awe at their dynamic skin control and hunting strategies. Some debate the cuttlefish's intelligence and awareness, questioning whether the camouflage is a conscious act or a reflexive response. Others focus on the crab's perspective, speculating about its experience and whether it notices the changing patterns before being attacked. A few comments delve into the mechanics of the camouflage, discussing chromatophores and the speed of the skin changes. One user highlights the co-evolutionary arms race between predator and prey, noting the crab's evolved defenses like shells and quick reflexes, while another mentions the ethics of keeping cephalopods in captivity for research.

  The Hacker News post titled "What a Crab Sees Before It Gets Eaten by a Cuttlefish" (linking to a New York Times article about cuttlefish camouflage and hunting) has generated several comments, offering various perspectives and additional information.

  Several commenters focus on the remarkable camouflage abilities of cuttlefish, expressing awe and fascination with their dynamic skin patterns. One commenter points out the speed at which these cephalopods can change their appearance, highlighting the complexity of the neural processes involved. Another marvels at the effectiveness of their disguise, even against keen-eyed predators like sharks and dolphins.

  The hunting techniques of cuttlefish are also a topic of discussion. One commenter describes the "passing cloud" display, where the cuttlefish creates moving patterns on its skin to mesmerize prey. Another mentions the hypnotic effect this has on crabs, making them easier to capture.

  Some comments delve into the scientific aspects of the research. One user questions the methodology of the study mentioned in the NYT article, specifically asking how researchers determine what a crab "sees." Another clarifies this, explaining the use of cameras that mimic the crab's visual system, allowing scientists to understand the cuttlefish's camouflage from the crab's perspective.

  The intelligence of cuttlefish is a recurring theme. Commenters discuss their complex nervous systems and advanced cognitive abilities. One user mentions the remarkable problem-solving skills observed in cuttlefish, including their ability to open jars and navigate mazes. Another draws a parallel to octopuses, highlighting the impressive intelligence found in cephalopods.

  A few comments also touch upon the ethical implications of studying and potentially exploiting these intelligent creatures. One commenter raises concerns about the potential for using cuttlefish camouflage technology for military applications.

  Finally, some commenters share personal anecdotes of encountering cuttlefish while diving or snorkeling, describing their beauty and otherworldly appearance.

  Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a mixture of awe, scientific curiosity, and ethical considerations regarding cuttlefish and their remarkable abilities. They provide valuable context and further insights into the topic beyond the information presented in the linked NYT article.

• 670nm red light exposure improved aged mitochondrial function, colour vision

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  Posted: 2025-02-16 08:33:47

  Verbose tl;dr

  Exposure to 670nm red light significantly improved declining mitochondrial function and color vision in aged fruit flies. The study found that daily exposure for a short duration revitalized the photoreceptors' mitochondria, increasing ATP production and reducing oxidative stress. This led to demonstrably improved color discrimination ability in older flies, suggesting a potential non-invasive therapy for age-related vision decline.

  A recently published study in Scientific Reports, titled "670nm red light exposure improved aged mitochondrial function and colour vision," meticulously explores the potential rejuvenating effects of long-wavelength red light on declining mitochondrial function and related visual impairments in aged individuals. Specifically, the research focuses on the application of 670 nanometer (nm) wavelength light, a relatively unexplored area in photobiomodulation research, which typically centers around shorter wavelengths like 630nm and 810nm. The study postulates that the age-related decline in mitochondrial function, particularly within the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells, contributes significantly to diminished visual acuity, specifically in the perception of blue light. This decline is attributed to the increasing inefficiency of cytochrome c oxidase, a critical enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain responsible for energy production.

  The researchers conducted experiments on Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies), a widely accepted model organism for aging studies due to their comparatively short lifespans and the genetic similarities they share with humans in relation to mitochondrial function. A cohort of flies aged 30 and 45 days – representing middle-aged and older age groups respectively – were exposed to 670nm red light for a defined period daily. Subsequently, the researchers rigorously evaluated several key indicators of mitochondrial health and visual performance.

  Their findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in mitochondrial membrane potential, a key metric of mitochondrial health and energy production capacity, in the older flies exposed to the 670nm light. This suggests a revitalization of mitochondrial function. Furthermore, the researchers observed a substantial and quantifiable improvement in the photoreceptor cells' ability to detect and respond to blue light, effectively enhancing colour vision sensitivity in the treated older flies. The younger flies, interestingly, did not exhibit such pronounced improvements, indicating a targeted effect on age-related decline rather than a general enhancement across all age groups.

  The study proposes that 670nm light stimulates cytochrome c oxidase activity, thereby boosting ATP production and ameliorating the age-related decline in mitochondrial function. This improved mitochondrial performance, in turn, translates to enhanced photoreceptor function and, consequently, better colour vision, specifically in the blue spectrum. While the research offers compelling preliminary evidence, the authors acknowledge the necessity for further investigations, particularly in mammalian models and ultimately human subjects, to validate these findings and to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action behind 670nm light's apparent beneficial effects on age-related visual decline. The findings, however, open up intriguing possibilities for developing non-invasive therapeutic interventions for age-related macular degeneration and other visual impairments linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.

  • mitochondria
  • Red Light Therapy
  • 670nm
  • Aging
  • Vision
  • Color Vision
  • Mitochondrial Function
  • Light Therapy
  • Cellular Health
  • Eye Health
  • Gerontology
  • Biophotonics

  Summary of Comments ( 196 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43066394

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters discuss the study's small sample size (n=24) and the lack of a control group receiving a different wavelength of light. Some express skepticism about the mechanism of action and the generalizability of the results to humans beyond this specific age group (67-85). Others are intrigued by the potential benefits of red light therapy, sharing anecdotal experiences and links to related research, including its use for wound healing and pain relief. Several commenters highlight the affordability and accessibility of red light devices, suggesting self-experimentation while cautioning against potential risks and the need for further research. There's also discussion around the placebo effect and the importance of rigorous scientific methodology.

  The Hacker News post titled "670nm red light exposure improved aged mitochondrial function, colour vision," linking to a Nature article, has a moderate number of comments discussing the research and its implications.

  Several commenters express cautious optimism about the findings, acknowledging the small sample size and the need for further research. They point out the potential benefits of such a simple intervention if proven effective in larger studies. One commenter highlights the distinction between treating the symptoms of aging versus reversing the aging process itself, questioning whether the study demonstrates a true reversal or simply an improvement in function.

  Some users delve into the specifics of the study, discussing the wavelengths of light used and their potential mechanisms of action. One comment mentions the role of cytochrome c oxidase as a photoreceptor and its potential involvement in the observed effects. Another questions the efficacy of commercially available red light devices, pointing out variations in wavelength and power output.

  A few commenters share anecdotal experiences with red light therapy, reporting positive effects on sleep and other health conditions. However, others caution against drawing conclusions from personal anecdotes and emphasize the importance of rigorous scientific evidence.

  Several comments also discuss the accessibility and affordability of red light therapy, with some suggesting it could be a cost-effective intervention if proven effective. Others raise concerns about the potential for misuse and the need for proper regulation of red light devices.

  One thread of conversation revolves around the potential for conflicts of interest, with one commenter noting the involvement of a company selling red light therapy devices. This raises questions about the objectivity of the research and the need for independent replication.

  Finally, some comments offer alternative explanations for the observed effects, such as the placebo effect or other confounding factors. They emphasize the importance of controlled studies to rule out these alternative explanations.