Can we biologically extend the range of human vision into the near infrared?

Any news on the report? :)

Hey guys, fascinating project. I am in a protein engineering course right now, and you guys have inspired me to design a protocol for increasing the affinity of cellular retinol binding protein for vitamin A2 as my final project. The only problem is that I am having trouble finding a source for your statement that the transport proteins have a 4 fold higher affinity for A1 than A2. I haven't combed thoroughly through all your links, but I'm a bit pressed for time. Think you could point me in the right direction?

Having quickly read over some notes I saw you mentioned the lack of vitamin A caused blue/green colorblind temporally. What do you think the effects could be if the individual was already blue/green colorblind? Would the A2 transport better if the A1 wasn't as prevalent in the body all ready or not carried as well? (if it is because it wasn't transported as well). The body of that person could take moreso to the A2. I would like to see this measured and tested in colorblind individuals of various colorblindness. Disclaimer: I am not scientificly inclined just very curious.

I have read the interesting rebuttal and I have read your response. I have also backed your project (so I'm a little biased towards your point of view). I definitely want to see this experiment produce important results. My only concern is (and always has been) the focus on the physiological response (at the possible cost of the implications of the perceptual response). For example, if the receptor is set to fire withing x nm to y nm range and you extend what that range is... what will the perceptual response be? There is the distinct possibility that the range of physical stimuli to which we are receptive will expand, but the actual perception of that physical stimuli range will not differ at all from what we normally perceive. I have read your original proposals and I am confident that you have taken this into consideration and have methods to detect changes in the perceptual range. However, if you would like any other ideas along these lines, feel free to contact me and I will be glad to discuss them further. Keep up the fantastic effort.

i,m thinking to try it to if the test is ready but i dont think its not easy to get in any store in the eu or netherlands for me

How can I volunteer

Need a volunteer human test subject?

How is it going? Any new updates?

Being a researcher working at www.almaobservatory.org, I have some first hand experience of retinal sensitivity changes under hypoxia: our observatory base camp is at 5700ft/2950m and the antenna site is at 16700ft/5050m geographic altitude. We observe a reduced sensitivity of the retina in general, but the blue (cones) reception in particular, under lack of oxygen. How does this go in line with the biochemical metabolisms that your intend to exploit? Regards and a happy new year - David

I found this project only now, after it's campaign end. How can I be allowed to see the lab notes?

No idea if this would be safe for human ingestion, but if it is applicable It would remove cutting A1 from the diet entirely, and if the natural levels of A1 are bolstered enough possibly even cut out having to take A2. http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v193/n4811/abs/193165a0.html

It looks like i missed the deadline on this. Is there anyway to still get in on the labnotes? I can donate via paypal or some such.

i'm just a student... hope my small donation helps you toward your modest goal. : ]

This is a very cool project that I will be watching closely. I'm an inventor of a Wide-Spectrum display technology called Kameraflage (http://kameraflage.com) that exploits the difference in human and machine vision (NIR and NUV). I've spent a LONG time dealing with NIR - even to the point where NIST consulted me about exposure levels for a guidebook. Long story. In my lab experiments I found that some people could see further into approaching NIR than others, so this led me to believe that there was a kernel of ability for some humans to see at the edge. I thought about an experiment like yours, but increasing the amount of Rhodopsin - never got around to doing it though. Anyways, This is great. Let me know if I can offer any help. 10+ years of self-taught NIR optical engineering, and a willingness to put strange things in my remaining good eye ;-)

Are you guys kidding me? This is extremely exciting news,,,,LOL - hardly need any more coffee this am ;*p. Seriously this interests me on a number of levels: 1) as a medicinal chemist, I can see a series of A2 analogs being synthesized and tested, 2) The idea of chemically extending the senses is really neat, though I'd hope the first applications are for peaceful application (sorry, I'm an old hippie at heart ;*p)....3) I have had certain personal experiences that make me think that not only is this idea possible, but that there are other ways to achieve the same ends. I know you are very busy there, but I'd love to take a few minutes to discuss this project with you all...I will certainly pony up some small contribution. 4) As you no doubt know, the new digital cameras can "see" well into the near IR and near UV range - I do a bit of IR & UV photography, so I use wratten 87 filters, for example. It may be that this equipment may help you measure IR detection in a cheap and simple manner.....Finally, the phenomenon of synaesthesia may be of interest here - I've personally experienced thisto a minor degree. When your senses cross over (with me it was imagery caused by certain tones on the piano) there are rich possibilities for sensing subliminal stimuli....I would investigate a "designer drug" called MXE if I were you. Yes, it's a ketamine analog, but in miniscule amounts it has little effect except a mild sharpening of the senses. It will soon be used to treat PTSD and so on....Finally, you might want to check out the racetam group of nootropics, as they are totally nontoxic and seem to have profound effects on the ampakine system, enhancing memory and protecting the brain from various insults. Good luck with your project....cheers.

As a vegan, I would be unwilling to further fund the project if the A2 is sourced from fish. To state more positively: I'd be willing to help fund the difference in cost for a synthesized or plant-based alternative source.