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Updated: Jan 23, 2026
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Measurement of Aerosols Optical Thickness of the Atmosphere using the GLOBE Handheld Sun Photometer
Published on: May 29, 2019
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Harnessing the Sun to See Anew
Gabriel Peinado Allina1, Marie E Burns1
1Center for Neuroscience and Depts of Ophthalmology & Vision Science and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA.
Neuron
|June 21, 2019
Summary
Light activates cone visual pigments for vision. A new study reveals light also drives pigment regeneration in Müller glial cells, supporting sustained cone function during the day.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Light is essential for vision, activating opsin-based visual pigments in rod and cone photoreceptors.
- Cone photoreceptors are crucial for color vision and function under bright light conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms by which cone visual pigments are regenerated.
- To understand the role of Müller glial cells in maintaining cone function.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized biochemical assays and cellular imaging in retinal tissues.
- Investigated the molecular pathways involved in pigment regeneration within Müller glial cells.
Main Results:
- Light directly stimulates a biochemical pathway in Müller glial cells that regenerates cone visual pigments.
- This light-driven regeneration mechanism contributes to sustained cone photoreceptor function.
Conclusions:
- Müller glial cells play an active role in visual pigment renewal, beyond their known supportive functions.
- The findings reveal a novel mechanism for maintaining cone function essential for daytime vision.
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