Mice Can Now See Infrared Light Due to New Research into Ocular Manipulation

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  Explanation of the Study

  A multi-faceted and multi-national group of scientists led by Xue and Jin Bao at the University of Science and Technology of China along with Gang Han at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, researched and developed this breakthrough, which allowed for the visual recognition of the infrared light spectrum.

  Via Scientists Enable Super Mice to See Infrared Light | Beauty of Science
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  What was the Study

  

  We (humans) are able to see only visible light. Most mammals too, have a very limited scope of their vision in terms of the visible spectrum they are able to see. In order to "see" objects that give off infrared light, we need special devices, like thermal cameras or night-vision goggles. But what if all we needed were some eye drops? Scientists at UMass Medical School believed it was worth checking out.

  Via New mice superpower could lead to human night vision | New Daily
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  How Does It Work

  

  Using special nano-particles called Upconversion Nanoparticles (UCNPs), they injected these particles into the eyes of normal mice. The nano-particles contain the rare-earth elements erbium and ytterbium, both of which can convert low-energy infrared molecules into higher-energy green light, which is visible to the eye  of most mammals. 

  The study found that the nano-particles bind with both the rods and cones in the mouse's eye, and both were activated by the infrared light.

  Via DBS with Nanoparticle-Based Optogenetics Modifies Behavior in Mice | The Scientist
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  Testing the Hypothesis

  

  In order to test their theory, the researchers devised a number of physiological and behavioral tasks, to measure the difference between the unaltUMass Medical Schoolered mouse, to one that had the nano-particles. 

  One test gave mice a choice in a Y shaped tank of water, with one tip offering a safe exit, while the other was blocked off, each marked with a triangle and circle of visible light, respectively. The mice first tried it only using visible light, and naturally were able to discern the right path after trial and error.

  But what was fascinating was when they switched to the infrared spectrum of light. Those without the injections were unable to discern the difference between the two paths, but those that had the injection could discern the triangle and swim to it every time. 

  Via Researchers Enable “Super Mice” to See Near-Infrared Light | Scientific American
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  Side Effects

  

  Even more incredible, despite using rare earth metals, there were no major or real minor side effects observed within the mice, even after the treatment was finished. The effect of a single injection of the nano-particles lasted up to 10 weeks, which signifies dark vision could be something that humans could have consistently with the right tuning of the particles.

  
  

  Via Scientists Give Mice "Super Vision" With Eye Injections | Futurism
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  Real-World Applications - Medical

  

  Currently, our ability to see in the dark is hinged on ambient daylight or outside light sources to produce the most accurate image possible. With bio-integrated nano-particles, we could do away with the bulky tech, and just open our eyes. 

  Scientists believe the research could help reverse losses in retinal function, as well as allow for much less invasive vision repair methods, instead of surgery or laser surgery as is custom today, along with fewer side effects to boot.

  Via Scientists Give Night Vision To Mice, The Technology Might Be Available For Humans Soon | StoryPick
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  What's Next

  

  In order to move forward onto human trials, Researchers will also have to come up with some organic substitutes for the rare-earth metals used in the nano-particles, to prevent the risk of rejection and side-effects in humans.

  UCNPs have been designed using organic compounds before, and whats more, they are much more effective and improving brightness than their non-organic counterparts. Which means that the improvement to vision using organic compounds could be even more pronounced than what was observed in the mice.

  Via Nanotechnology makes it possible for mice to see in infrared | Phys.Org
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  Pharmaceutical Applications and More

  

  The range of possibilities doesn't stop with ocular manipulation, though that was the focus of the study. Researchers are hoping to be able to also correct red-color vision defects for humans, and more innovatively, figure out a way to trigger medicine release via contact with a certain wavelength of infrared light.

  All of the research will be presented at the American Chemical Society Fall 2019 National Meeting and Exposition. 

  Via Scientists lend mice night vision | NewsNation

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