In the first of my multiple blog series I will be starting, I will be finding interesting fun facts on the internet and using research prove (or disprove when necessary) them.
An Introduction to The World of Color
A few years back, I remember seeing a post online that talked about things that are impossible. One revolved around the idea of seeing a new color, discovering a new hue. For a very long time, I did not thing that it was possible until I saw this fact.
Upon further research, this fact is indeed true. The condition is known as Tertachromacy, and although more rare in people, can be found in birds and many other animals. The fourth cone allows eyes to see light of the ultraviolet spectrum. In normal eyes, these colors and wavelengths are simply invisible and indescribable to those who only possess the three normal cones. In addition, having the fourth cone also allows better night vision because of improved light recognition.
Tetrachromacy And Its Subjects
In tetrachromatic subjects, which can be estimated to be up to 12% of women, the world is described as a mosaic of color. The added receptors in the eye help the brain transmit more wavelengths. It is assumed that most tetrachromats are unknown because they have either never picked up on the fact that they see more colors, or they have been diagnosed as quite the opposite: colorblind. The subject's brain must become "trained" to see these colors and process it all.
One well known tetrachromatic is a female artist by the name of Concetta Antico. She is one of the lucky ones whose tetrachromacy was diagnosed earlier in her life. Antico plans to find a way for other patients to figure out if they are colorblind or tetrachromatic. Maybe one day all of us three-coners can understand what it is like to have literal kaleidoscope eyes.
(In other news, if you would like to test your color acuity, you can visit the link here! I scored a 14. What did you get?)
Sources:
http://www.popsci.com/article/science/woman-sees-100-times-more-colors-average-person
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrachromacy
http://discovermagazine.com/2012/jul-aug/06-humans-with-super-human-vision
An Introduction to The World of Color
A few years back, I remember seeing a post online that talked about things that are impossible. One revolved around the idea of seeing a new color, discovering a new hue. For a very long time, I did not thing that it was possible until I saw this fact.
Upon further research, this fact is indeed true. The condition is known as Tertachromacy, and although more rare in people, can be found in birds and many other animals. The fourth cone allows eyes to see light of the ultraviolet spectrum. In normal eyes, these colors and wavelengths are simply invisible and indescribable to those who only possess the three normal cones. In addition, having the fourth cone also allows better night vision because of improved light recognition.
Tetrachromacy And Its Subjects
In tetrachromatic subjects, which can be estimated to be up to 12% of women, the world is described as a mosaic of color. The added receptors in the eye help the brain transmit more wavelengths. It is assumed that most tetrachromats are unknown because they have either never picked up on the fact that they see more colors, or they have been diagnosed as quite the opposite: colorblind. The subject's brain must become "trained" to see these colors and process it all.
One well known tetrachromatic is a female artist by the name of Concetta Antico. She is one of the lucky ones whose tetrachromacy was diagnosed earlier in her life. Antico plans to find a way for other patients to figure out if they are colorblind or tetrachromatic. Maybe one day all of us three-coners can understand what it is like to have literal kaleidoscope eyes.
(In other news, if you would like to test your color acuity, you can visit the link here! I scored a 14. What did you get?)
Sources:
http://www.popsci.com/article/science/woman-sees-100-times-more-colors-average-person
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrachromacy
http://discovermagazine.com/2012/jul-aug/06-humans-with-super-human-vision