We all got the memo that staring at our screens—whether smartphone, PC or tablet—is bad for us. It can lead to psychological problems and even obesity—and now researchers fear it could accelerate the ageing process.
The blue light from the devices interferes with our entire cellular system, and could cause the early death of our cells, say researchers from Oregon State University.
Cells that control our skin, fat levels and senses are affected by the blue light, which also reduces levels of the metabolite succinate, which produces the fuel for the healthy functioning and growth of each cell.
The light also lowers the body’s levels of glutamate, a molecule that helps neurons communicate.
It’s not just smartphones we have to worry about. LED light is also in ambient light, and so we are exposed to some level of blue light for most of the day even when we’re not looking at a screen.
The researchers exposed fruit flies (Drosophila) to high levels of blue light and compared their cellular functions to another group of flies that had been kept in the dark.
They say that the flies were exposed to very high levels of blue light, and so the amount of damage they witnessed may not be replicated in people.
But whether or not you’re a fruit fly, the message is the same: reduce your exposure to blue light.
Frontiers in Aging, 2022; doi: 10.3389/fragi.2022.983373
