Evolutionary history limits species' ability to match color sensitivity to available habitat light

The spectrum of light that an animal sees - from ultraviolet to far red light - is governed by the number and wavelength sensitivity of a family of retinal proteins called opsins. It has been hypothesized that the spectrum of light available in an environment influences the range of colors that a species has evolved to see. However, invertebrates and vertebrates use phylogenetically distinct opsins in their retinae, and it remains unclear whether these distinct opsins influence what animals see, or how they adapt to their light environments. Systematically utilizing published visual sensitivity data from across animal phyla, we found that terrestrial animals are more sensitive to shorter and longer wavelengths of light than aquatic animals, and that invertebrates are more sensitive to shorter wavelengths of light than vertebrates. Controlling for phylogeny removes the effects of habitat and lineage on visual sensitivity. Closed and open habitat terrestrial species have similar spectral sensitivities when comparing across the Metazoa, and deep water animals are more sensitive to shorter wavelengths of light than shallow water animals. Our results suggest that animals do adapt to their light environment, however the invertebrate-vertebrate evolutionary divergence has limited the degree to which animals can perform visual tuning.

Retina photosensitivity indexes as an objective indicator of expression of psychostimulating effect

BACKGROUND: The variety of neurotransmitter systems providing photoreceptor capabilities of the retina is a prerequisite for studying the retinotropic properties of some psychotropic drugs, taking into account their ability to interfere with the work of synapses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Given this circumstance, a set of studies was carried out with the participation of volunteers to assess the effect of psychotropic substances with a stimulating (caffeine, piracetam, Bilobil) type of action on the functional state of the retina, recorded by the campimetric method. In the course of the research, the photosensitivity of the retina, its ability to distinguish colors and the speed of the visual-motor reaction were assessed. Such an approach can not only demonstrate the interest of retinal cellular elements in the action of substances, but also broaden the question of the participation of the visual system in the psychopharmacological effect. RESULTS: The function of the retina was studied both in healthy volunteers and in individuals with organic lesions of the central nervous system, which were often accompanied by emotional disorders, which were identified using special questionnaire tests. It was found that these pathological conditions are accompanied by a limitation of the photosensitivity of the retina of varying severity. These facts can be interpreted in different ways. On the one hand, violations of visual functions can lead to psychoemotional disorders and be a pathogenetic link in their development, and on the other hand, primary disorders of retinal light and color sensitivity can provoke the development of psychopathology. However, regardless of the pharmacological characteristics of the studied drugs that stimulate mental activity, the relationship of their effect with changes in visual function seems obvious, which makes it possible to raise the question of the advisability of taking into account the light and color sensitivity of the retina for a comprehensive assessment of both the mental state and the pharmacodynamics of the drugs, stimulating mental activity. CONCLUSION: Thus, it is legitimate to conclude that taking into account the light and color sensitivity of the retina can be one of the quantitative criteria for the severity and effectiveness of psychopharmacotherapy.

Assessment of retinal photosensitivity as an objective indicator of expression psychodense effect

BACKGROUND: The retina of the eye, with its wide range of neurotransmitter systems, can be the point of application in the action of the psychotropic drugs, given their synaptotropic properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this regard, a complex of studies was carried out with the participation of volunteers to assess the effect of psychotropic substances with a depressing (melatonin, grandaxin, motherwort tincture) type of action on the functional state of the retina, registered by the campimetric method. In the course of the research, the photosensitivity of the retina and its ability to distinguish colors were evaluated. Moreover, the capabilities of the technique made it possible to assess retinal activity in the field of view from 0 to 21. Such an approach can not only demonstrate the interest of retinal cellular elements in the action of substances, but also raise the question of the participation of the visual system in the psychopharmacological effect more broadly. RESULTS: The work of the visual apparatus was studied both in healthy volunteers of different ages and in persons with emotional disorders, which were identified using special questionnaire tests. It was found that violations of the emotional status are often accompanied by a limitation of the photosensitivity of the retina of varying severity. These facts can be interpreted in different ways. On the one hand, violations of visual functions can lead to psychoemotional disorders and be a pathogenetic link in their development, and on the other hand, primary disorders of retinal light and color sensitivity can provoke the development of psychopathology. However, regardless of the pharmacological characteristics of the studied drugs with psychodeprimating activity, the connection between their anti-anxiety effect and changes in visual function seems to be obvious, which allows us to raise the question of the advisability of taking into account the photosensitivity of the retina for a comprehensive assessment of both the mental state of emotionally labile subjects and the pharmacodynamics of psychodemitting drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it is legitimate to conclude that taking into account the light and color sensitivity of the retina can be one of the quantitative criteria for the severity and effectiveness of psychopharmacotherapy.

Could Behavioural Nudges Improve the Accuracy of Waste Sorting? An Experimental Survey

The study consisted of a survey and field experiment to observe the impact of behavioural nudges on an individual’s attitudes and accuracy on waste sorting. The survey conducted on 203 students of the University of Peradeniya, and then the field experiment within the university premises. The responses to the survey revealed that the participants having a negative attitude toward the usual waste disposal and sorting practices. Also, the majority of the respondents preferred non-monetary incentives as an effective strategy to motivate individuals to improve the accuracy of waste sorting. Then the participants are given nine strategies as separate behavioural nudges to improve the waste sorting behavior. The responses are highly varied and the majority prefer to use a combination of different colours and detailed labels as a motivational strategy. Thus, the preferred strategy was examined at the faculty premises throughout three stages and tested three hypotheses. Findings revealed that the strategy improves the accuracy, and supports the university community for proper waste sorting practices. Further, it exposed that the detail labels and stickers are impactful than the color sensitivity of respondents.