Vera Vasas has created a new camera that can let us see colors the way animals do. This was developed at the George Mason University in 2024.

A new camera has been developed to see the colors that animals see. Some see fewer colors than humans can. Dogs and cats, for instance, can’t distinguish between red and green, like some humans who are color blind. On the other hand, some can see colors that humans can’t, such as ultraviolet light. Animals that have superior vision include many birds, insects, and bees. According to an article written by Eric Ralls with Earth.com, “Many insects, like bees, also see ultraviolet light, helping them to detect patterns on flowers that are invisible to us.” (Ralls, October 27, 2024)

The new camera, created by Vera Vasas, is over 92% accurate to the colors that animals actually see. Until now, it has been challenging to replicate how animals see the world. It used to be time consuming and not as accurate as it is now. It required very specific lighting conditions, and the results it produced were not very reliable. It is now very practical and easy to use. According to an article by Eric Ralls with Earth.com, “One of the most impressive aspects of this system is its practicality. It’s constructed from readily available commercial cameras, housed in a modular, 3D-printed casing. This makes it accessible for researchers and filmmakers without requiring specialized, expensive equipment.” (Ralls, October 27, 2024)

This new camera works by using a beam splitter to separate different kinds of light. Ultraviolet light passes and reflects through a special lens. Visible light is detected through a different camera, and when the images combine, a video is created from an animal’s perspective. This will benefit scientists and researchers alike, who want to study more about animal vision. According to an article written by Avery Hurt with Discover Magazine, “This technology will be useful for researchers studying animals in their natural, dynamic environments. And it will be available to anyone who needs it.” (Hurt, September 13, 2024)

In summary, this new camera system will benefit researchers and other people who are studying animals. It can see the colors that animals see and it has high accuracy and practicality. It looks like this technology may be very useful, and it can be assumed that improvements will be made within the coming years.