Scientists from Oregon State University have found that blue light from gadget screens can negatively affect
Researchers from Oregon State University foundevidence that the light that comes from the screens of smartphones and other digital devices can affect the basic cellular functions of the human body. As the senior author of this study, Dr. Jadviga Gibultovich, notes, mobile devices, laptops, televisions can adversely affect many cells in the body, including brain cells, skin cells, and fat cells.
On the example of fruit flies, scientistsdemonstrated that when exposed to blue light, they change the amount of specific metabolites, that is, chemicals necessary for the proper functioning of cells. As a result, the flies activated genes that protect them from stress. At the same time, those insects that were kept in complete darkness lived longer.
In particular, the study found thatthe level of the metabolite succinate in the flies increased, while the levels of glutamate decreased. According to Gibultovich, succinate is needed in order to create the fuel necessary for the growth and operation of each cell. Glutamate is responsible for the communication between brain neurons.
The results of this study show thatafter exposure to blue light, cells die earlier. This can lead to early aging of the body if it is exposed to very large amounts of such light.
At the same time, the expert noted that humans, compared to flies, are still not as intensely exposed to blue light. Therefore, damage to their cells may not be as severe.
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