Scientists develop contact lenses that let humans see near-infrared light

An international team led by Chinese scientists has developed revolutionary contact lenses that allow humans to see nearinfrared light a breakthrough that could transform medical imaging and visual assistance technologiesThe study published in the journal Cell on Thursday combines visual neuroscience with rare earth elements to create transparent wearable lenses that convert invisible infrared light into visible images Xinhua news agency reportedThe human eye only detects light with wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometres thus missing much of natures informationNearinfrared light with wavelengths between 700 and 2500 nanometres excels at penetrating biological tissue with minimal radiation damageThe researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China Fudan University and the University of Massachusetts Medical School US engineered rare earth elements that transform three different infrared wavelengths into red green and blue visible lightPreviously scientists in the team developed a nanomaterial that when injected into animal retinas enabled mammals to see nearinfrared light naturally Since retinal injections arent practical for humans they started to design a wearable noninvasive alternative using soft contact lensesThe team modified the surface of the rare earth nanoparticles enabling them to be dispersed in polymer solutions and ultimately fabricate highly transparent contact lenses according to the studyHuman volunteers wearing the lenses could identify infrared patterns temporal codes and even distinguish three different colours of infrared light essentially expanding the human visual spectrum beyond its natural limitationsThe noninvasive technology has potential applications in medical imaging information security rescue operations and treating colour blindnessUnlike night vision goggles the lenses capable of enhancing vision in lowvisibility conditions such as fog or dust require no power source and provide a more natural visual experienceWhile still at the proofofconcept stage the researchers believe the technology could eventually help people with visual impairments and revolutionise how humans interact with the invisible light spectrumThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoeveratOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params