Welcome to AFOSR STEM!
STEM Outreach and Engagement within the Air Force Office of Scientific Research
AFOSR STEM Funding In Action: Expanding the limits of color perception at The University of California Berkeley
We all view the world through the visible spectrum (we humans, that is), but what if there’s more than meets the eye? AFOSR-funded research at the University of California Berkeley used lasers to target specific color-sensing cones found in the retina. There are typically three color-sensing cones in the human retina, but this approach allows for new colors to appear - colors not found in nature.
This novel approach to controlling photoreceptors is fascinating - perhaps we’ll see some new colors emerge in the near future!
Click here for the article in Science Advances
K-12 Connection: Science Friday did a fun overview of this research and released a clip in April. Click here to check it out!
A representation of the color “OIo”, a color that researchers Dr. Ren Ng and James Fong identified through their efforts. This research was funded in part by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research’s Cognitive and Computational Science portfolio.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Professional Learning Opportunities for K-12 STEM Educators:
Are you a K-12 STEM educator in the National Capital Region? Are you interested in collaborating with other educators on interdisciplinary projects, connecting with subject matter experts, and taking part in an immersive professional learning experience? Apply to join our next cohort of talented educators!
ACCESS Program members gain free access to quality educational resources for their classrooms, on-site professional learning opportunities at the National Air and Space Museum, and opportunities to connect with other educators in the D.C. area! We are currently not accepting new educators to this cohort.
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