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in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
Medical validation:
August 31, 2022
According to a new study published in the journal Frontiers, our cells could be affected by the blue light emitted by our devices.
We already knew that blue light – that famous blue-violet halo produced by our phones, computers and televisions – was responsible for sleep disorders. But what this American study advances is a whole new hypothesis: looking at our screens could, according to researchers, lead to the premature death of our cells.
Blue light damages cells and tissues
To reach this conclusion, the research team tested the effects of blue light on fruit flies. They thus compared the levels of metabolites (the brains, but also the fat bodies, the muscles and the epithelial cells) of flies exposed to blue light for two weeks with those of flies kept in total darkness.
At the end of this cycle, the scientists noticed that the flies exposed to blue light seemed to “activate” protective genes against stress. Flies kept in the dark lived longer.
” Dramatic metabolic rearrangements are observed in the heads of flies maintained in blue light for 14 days. These flies show the onset of neurodegeneration, compatible with accelerated aging; however, their lifespan can be saved if they are replaced in constant darkness. Thus, our results may provide insight into the two mechanisms that initially protect fly physiology. “, note the researchers.
Destroyed neurotransmitters
Flies exposed to light would also show reduced levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals released by neurons), including glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid.
The amounts of histamine (known for its role in the body’s immune response) and glutamate (an essential amino acid for regulating metabolic functions in the human body) also dropped.
” It is therefore possible that prolonged exposure to blue light may have similar, albeit more subtle, effects on skin, subcutaneous fat and other cells in humans. “, conclude the researchers.
Nevertheless, further human studies are needed to confirm these initial findings.