A study found that fruit flies exposed to blue light showed ‘onset of neurodegeneration, consistent with accelerated aging’
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Here’s yet another reason why decreasing screen time might be a good idea: Blue light from everyday gadgets like televisions, cellphones and laptops could speed up the aging process, a new study from Oregon State University reveals.
Fruit flies were exposed to blue light for 10 to 14 days, and then exposed to constant darkness for the same amount of time. The effects of the blue light showed that chronic exposure “may have detrimental effects on a wide range of cells in our body, from skin and fat cells, to sensory neurons,” said the study’s senior author and professor at the Department of Integrative Biology at Oregon State University Dr. Jadwiga Giebultowicz.
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Researchers analyzed levels of metabolites, which are chemicals that are essential for cells to function correctly, Giebultowicz explained. The metabolites in the flies exposed to blue light were altered. They showed “onset of neurodegeneration, consistent with accelerated aging; yet, their lifespan can be rescued if they are returned to DD (constant darkness),” the study said.
It also found that flies in constant darkness lived longer than those exposed to blue light.
“Our study suggests that avoidance of excessive blue light exposure may be a good anti-aging strategy,” said Giebultowicz. However, she did note that the levels of blue light used on the flies was “fairly strong” and overall humans are “exposed to less intense light, so cellular damage may be less dramatic.”
