Nature Podcast

A brand-new colour created by lasers, a pig-liver transplant trial gets the green light, and a nugget-sized chunk of lab-grown meat

Apr 23, 2025

In this lively discussion, science journalists Lizzie Gibney and Sharmini Bandel dive into the creation of a brand-new color called ‘olo,’ visible only to a select few, highlighting how laser technology can enhance our understanding of color perception and aid those with color blindness. They also unpack the FDA's approval for a groundbreaking pig-liver transplant trial, aiming to address organ failure with genetically modified livers. Finally, they explore an impressive lab-grown meat development, discussing its potential to revolutionize food production.

20:27

Creator website

Episode guests

Sharmini Bandel

Lizzie Gibney

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

A groundbreaking discovery of a new color, visible only under experimental conditions, could enhance our understanding of human color perception and assist colorblind individuals in the future.

The FDA's approval for a pig-liver transplant trial marks a significant step forward in xenotransplantation, potentially addressing organ shortages and enhancing treatment options for patients with liver failure.

Deep dives

The Discovery of a New Color

A new color, described as a saturated bluey-green, has been identified, but it can only be seen under specific experimental conditions by a limited number of participants. This discovery illustrates the complexity of human color perception, as color interpretation involves multiple light receptor cells in the eye called cones, which transmit varying signals to the brain. Researchers used advanced technology to isolate signals from the cones that correspond to this unique shade, allowing participants to 'see' a color that had never been experienced before. The implications of this research extend beyond curiosity, as it may pave the way for practical applications such as helping colorblind individuals regain a fuller perception of color through targeted stimulation of their cone cells.

Intro

5min

Discovering a New Color: The Science of Olo

2min

Exploring New Colors and Pioneering Xenotransplantation

2min

Innovative Pig Liver Trial for Severe Liver Failure Patients

2min

Advancements in Xenotransplantation and Lab-Grown Meat

9min

00:27 Five people see ‘olo’, a brand-new colour

Using a laser system to activate specific eye cells, a team has allowed five study participants to perceive a vibrant blue-greenish hue well outside the natural range of colours seen by humans. Although the setup required to accomplish this feat is currently complicated, this finding could provide more understanding about how the brain perceives colour and could one day help boost the vision of people with colour blindness.

Nature News: Brand-new colour created by tricking human eyes with laser

08:30 US regulator greenlights pig-liver transplant trial

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first trial to test whether genetically modified pig livers can be used safely to treat people with organ failure. In the initial phase of the trial, four people with severe liver failure will be temporarily connected to an external pig liver that will filter their blood. Participants will then be monitored for a year for safety and changes in liver function. The organs have been genetically modified to make them more compatible with humans.

Nature News: Pig livers for people: US regulator greenlights first safety trial

14:08: A chunk of lab-grown chicken

Using a designer ‘circulatory system’, a team of researchers have created what they think is the largest piece of meat grown in the laboratory yet. One of the challenges to producing larger pieces of lab-grown meat has been providing cells with sufficient oxygen and nutrients, something the team’s new setup helps overcome. They used it to grow a chunk of chicken muscle about the size of a nugget, but multiple challenges remain before meat produced in this way could make it to market.

Nature News: Winner, winner, lab-made dinner! Team grows nugget-sized chicken chunk

Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.