第1277回生物科学セミナー
Using temporally modulated light to enhance subconscious visual stimulation
Dr. Kwoon Y. Wong（Associate Professor, University of Michigan, U.S.A.）
2019年05月17日(金) 16:30-17:30 理学部3号館 326号室
Light evokes not only conscious vision by stimulating rods and
cones but also subconscious physiological responses by stimulating
intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which sense
light using the photopigment melanopsin. To promote wellbeing,
stimulation of ipRGCs should be maximized during the daytime, but
unfortunately standard indoor lights activate ipRGCs inadequately. To help
design healthier electric lights, we have systematically characterized the
photoresponse properties of ipRGCs. We found that ipRGCs respond
more strongly to periodically flickering light than to steady light, and that
melanopsin responds most robustly to a flicker frequency of ~0.1 Hz
(Vartanian et al. 2015, Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.; Walch et al. 2015, J.
Neurophysiol.). Based on these findings we have developed a novel
lighting technology that aims to boost ipRGC stimulation throughout the
daytime. I will present preliminary data suggesting that this light is more
effective than steady light in enhancing alertness and cognitive
performance in human subjects.
