The researchers "taught" mice to distinguish between infrared radiation. To do this, they introduced nanoparticles into the photoreceptors of the retina of rodents, which convert invisible light into visible light. They stayed in the eyes for 10 weeks with no side effects. Scientists expect that their development will find application in medicine. Nanoparticles can be used to repair defects in the retina, in particular for the treatment of color blindness.
The human eye, like the mouse, perceives only visible radiation, the wavelength of which is in the range of 380 to 740 nanometers (nm). Infrared radiation has a wavelength of more than 800 nm. We do not see infrared rays, but we almost always feel their warmth, for example from the sun. A person can observe infrared radiation only with the help of special equipment.
Scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China and the University of Massachusetts (USA) have created technology that allows you to see infrared radiation without any instruments. Experts have introduced nanoparticles into the photoreceptors of the mouse retina, which convert invisible infrared light (wavelength - about 980 nm) into visible green (wavelength - 535 nm). In doing so, the researchers covered each particle with a protein coat, which allowed them to attach to the cells of the retina.
To test whether mice can see infrared light, scientists have conducted several comparative experiments. As a result, it turned out that rodents with nanoparticles introduced into the retina were able to distinguish infrared signals. The nanoparticles survived in the retinas of animals for 10 weeks without causing any significant side effects.
According to the researchers, the structure of the human eye and the mouse is very similar, so this technology can be tested in the future on humans. Scientists jokingly called their invention an integrated night vision device that would make it possible to do without bulky and energy-intensive equipment. Experts do not exclude that the military may be interested in such a development.
However, first of all, researchers expect that their nanoparticles will find application in medicine. In particular, they can help in the elimination of retinal defects and the treatment of color blindness.
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