Excessive exposure to the blue light emitted by TV screens, computers and smartphones could accelerate aging: it happens at least in fruit flies, in which it causes the alteration of molecular mechanisms that are also present in the cells of human beings.
This is demonstrated by a study by researchers at Oregon State University published in the journal Frontiers in Aging.
The research builds on previous work by the same group, which showed that flies kept in the dark live longer than those exposed to blue light, in which protective genes are activated to counteract stress.
To understand the reasons for this accelerated aging process, the researchers analyzed the substances produced by the metabolism of the neurons of the flies after two weeks of darkness or exposure to a high intensity blue light (much higher than that used in our electronic devices) .
It was found that blue light increases levels of succinate, "essential for the production of the fuel that allows cells to function and grow.
Having high levels of succinate - explains biologist Jadwiga Giebultowicz - is like having gasoline in the pump but not in the car.
Another troubling finding is that molecules responsible for neuronal communication, such as glutamate, drop to a minimum after exposure to blue light. ”These alterations indicate that cells are functioning poorly and this could cause premature aging.
"LEDs have become the main lighting in telephone, computer and TV screens, as well as in room lighting - underlines Giebultowicz - so humans in advanced societies are exposed to blue light through LED lighting during most part of the waking hours. The signaling chemicals in the cells of flies and humans are the same, so it's possible that blue light has negative effects on humans as well. "
