Scientists develop 'super-vision' infrared contact lenses to help people see in the dark
In a recent breakthrough, researchers developed infrared contact lenses that improve night vision. Furthermore, they can see with their eyes closed thanks to these lenses. Researchers from the university of Science and technology of china participated in the study, which was published in the journal Cell.
According to the researchers, they created lenses that enabled them to see in the dark by combining nanoparticles with polymers found in conventional contact lenses. Additionally, according to the study, unlike standard night-vision goggles, these lenses don't require a power source.
According to the researchers, they created lenses that enabled them to see in the dark by combining nanoparticles with polymers found in conventional contact lenses. Additionally, according to the study, unlike standard night-vision goggles, these lenses don't require a power source.
The wearer can perceive various infrared wavelengths with the aid of these lenses. Users are able to see both visible and infrared light at the same time because they are transparent. However, closing participants' eyes improved their infrared vision.
"Our research opens up the potential for noninvasive wearable devices to give people super-vision," stated Tian Xue, a neuroscientist from the university of Science and technology of china and the study's senior author. This material has a wide range of immediate applications. For instance, in security, rescue, encryption, or anti-counterfeiting contexts, information could be transmitted using flashing infrared light.
"Our research opens up the potential for noninvasive wearable devices to give people super-vision," stated Tian Xue, a neuroscientist from the university of Science and technology of china and the study's senior author. This material has a wide range of immediate applications. For instance, in security, rescue, encryption, or anti-counterfeiting contexts, information could be transmitted using flashing infrared light.
The contact lens's nanoparticles absorb infrared light and transform it into wavelengths that mammals' eyes can see. According to the researchers, the lens was initially tested on mice that preferred dark boxes to those that were lit by infrared light, whereas animals that were not wearing the lenses did not exhibit any preference.
Humans were later tested with the lenses, and they were able to identify flickering infrared light and determine its direction. This capacity improved when participants closed their eyes.
According to Mr Xue, "We also found that when the subject closes their eyes, they're even better able to receive this flickering information, because near-infrared light penetrates the eyelid more effectively than visible light, so there is less interference from visible light."
Humans were later tested with the lenses, and they were able to identify flickering infrared light and determine its direction. This capacity improved when participants closed their eyes.
According to Mr Xue, "We also found that when the subject closes their eyes, they're even better able to receive this flickering information, because near-infrared light penetrates the eyelid more effectively than visible light, so there is less interference from visible light."
According to the researchers, "This technology has a wide range of practical applications, including infrared information encoding and transmission, enhanced vision in poor visibility conditions (e.g., foggy or dusty conditions), and integration into smart devices for rescue and emergencies."
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Disclaimer: The article's advice and recommendations are meant primarily as general information and should not be interpreted as expert medical advice. Before beginning any exercise program or making any dietary changes, always get advice from your doctor or a dietitian.