A new study has changed the way we look at screens (pun intended) and it is worth a read. Scientists have discovered that the blue lights from screens may be the cause of aging faster and reduced cognitive abilities. Concerned yet? Here’s everything you need to know:
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What Is The Study?
According to a recent study, excessive blue light from electronic devices like cellphones, computers, and televisions can accelerate aging. Researchers discovered that exposure to light may potentially also increase the chances of developing obesity and psychiatric issues.
The press release said, “Excessive exposure to blue light from everyday devices, such as TVs, laptops, and phones, may have detrimental effects on a wide range of cells in our body.” This study is the first to demonstrate that fruit flies exposed to blue light have changed amounts of certain metabolites, molecules necessary for proper cell activity.
Fruit Flies Experiment
Fruit flies were used in the experiment. The research team found that the light from screens had an impact on them too and it was the same for humans. This is important since there are cellular similarities between humans and flies therefore, they were a good test subject.
The scientists examined the amounts of metabolites in flies exposed to blue light for two weeks. The control group was kept in full darkness to better understand why high-energy blue light fastens aging in fruit flies.
What Was Found?
The team found that the cells in fruit flies don’t function optimally after exposure. They started facing premature death. An examination of the cells in the flies’ brains revealed that the levels of one metabolite, succinate, increased, while glutamate levels dropped.
Here’s more information. Succinate is essential for producing the fuel for the function and growth of each cell. High levels of succinate after exposure to blue light is like gas being in the pump but not getting into the car. Moreover, another concerning discovery was that molecules responsible for communication between neurons, such as glutamate, are at a lower level after blue light exposure. This means reduced brain function after exposure to blue light.
What To Do?
The study has so far said that further research needs to be done on this. Until then, they recommend that you avoid excessive use of blue light.
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