A recent study has suggested that staring at a phone for too long can cause wrinkles. Almost every adult is exposed to blue light from phones, work computers and televisions every day.
According to the news in the British newspaper Daily Mail, scientists at Oregon State University discovered that when fruit flies are kept under dazzling light for 14 days, they show signs of impaired cell function and neurodegeneration (progressive loss of structure or function of neurons) or aging.
MAY HAVE HARMFUL EFFECTS ON CELLS
The biologist who led the research, Dr. Jadwiga Giebultowicz warned that this could have a detrimental effect on a wide variety of cells in our body.
“Our study shows that avoiding excessive blue light exposure can be a good anti-aging strategy,” said Giebultowicz.
Previous research has already warned that too much screen time increases the risk of obesity and mental health problems. There are also concerns that blue light can tire the eyes, causing blurred vision, macular degeneration and cataracts, and disrupting the circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep. Many devices have mechanisms that allow users to reduce blue light.
EXPOSED TO BLUE LIGHT FOR 14 DAYS
In the study, published in the journal Frontiers in Aging, scientists divided fruit flies into two groups.
One group was continuously exposed to blue light for 10-14 days, while the second was kept in the dark at all times. Next, the scientists examined the cells in the heads of the flies. It has been shown that energy production is impaired in those exposed to blue light for 14 days.
ALLEGED TO CAUSE EARLY DEATH
The scientists suggested that their results could trigger changes in cells that accelerate aging, and that blue light could even cause premature death.
“LEDs have become mainstream lighting alongside displays such as phones, desktop computers and televisions, so people in developed societies are exposed to blue light through LED lighting for most of their waking hours.
“The signal chemicals in the cells of flies and humans are the same, so blue light has the potential to have adverse effects on humans.”
There is a growing body of research showing that spending too long in front of blue light can harm health and make it harder to sleep. While several studies have warned that it can harm the circadian clock, in June scientists in the Bay Area suggested that blue light may increase the risk of eye problems.