Prepare to be dazzled! A team of researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, has harnessed the power of lasers to discover an astonishing new color called 'Olo.' While it may be a while before you spot this ultra-saturated hue in products, its unveiling is sparking excitement in the scientific community.

In a recent study published in *Science Advances*, scientists used laser beams to stimulate the cone cells in the retinas of five participants. This unique method led them to perceive an elusive blue-green color that has never been experienced in everyday life.

Each participant possesses three types of cone cells—designated as 'S,' 'L,' and 'M'—sensitive to blue, red, and green wavelengths. By specifically targeting the 'M' cone cells, which respond to green light, the researchers revealed a vibrantly saturated color that surpassed anything seen naturally.

Recall the viral debate over the color of a dress in 2015? That incident illustrated that color perception is profoundly subjective. Ren Ng, a professor involved in the study, emphasized this point: "In color vision science, we have to tread carefully. Our perception can be incredibly adaptive and varies from individual to individual."

To validate that participants were indeed seeing 'Olo'—a color far more saturated than any natural teal—they had to compare it directly against a laser-generated teal. Ng noted that 'Olo' appeared so overwhelming that it required desaturation with white light for comparison.

Currently, 'Olo' can only be perceived under specific light stimulation and can't be manufactured for commercial use just yet. Ng explained that although it's impossible to turn 'Olo' into paint or fabric, the potential to incorporate it into future display technologies is certainly on the horizon.

Visualizing 'Olo' takes some imagination. The representation accompanying this article offers a glimpse, but it falls short of capturing the true saturation. Ng describes it as resembling the striking colors of peacock feathers if you could crank up the saturation to its maximum.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, expressed intrigue about this new shade. Though she hasn't witnessed 'Olo' herself, she speculated that it might resemble deeply saturated blue-green shades already in their palette.

Eiseman also believes that discussions surrounding 'Olo' will generate considerable buzz on social media, reigniting interest in the blue-green color spectrum.

For now, Ng and his team are focused on fundamental research rather than commercialization. They've set their sights on a fascinating area of further exploration: whether humans can perceive an entirely new dimension of color beyond the visible spectrum. If successful, this discovery could lead to revolutionary advancements in how colors are used in design and technology.

Imagining a world filled with colors that can’t be seen yet is undeniably captivating. Eiseman pointed out that the emerging interest in space adds a cosmic element to 'Olo,' as these shades evoke the vastness of outer space and the mysteries that lie beyond.

Excitingly, as we await cosmic events like the anticipated appearance of the vibrant green Comet C/2025 F2 (SWAN), it's clear that bold new colors can inspire our imaginations.

Additionally, Ng's team is working on another intriguing project focusing on tetrachromacy, a genetic trait that enables some individuals—particularly up to 12% of women—to perceive hundreds of millions of colors. This research could lead to innovative applications in how colors are perceived and utilized.