You Might See 100x More Colors

Can you see millions more colors than the people around you—and not even realize it? 👁️🌈

Alex Dainis explains how a rare genetic trait called tetrachromacy could give you superhuman vision without you even knowing it.

In this Short, Alex walks you through the science of how our eyes perceive color—thanks to tiny cells called cones. Most people have three types of cone cells (red, green, and blue), but a small group of people—primarily those with XX chromosomes—can have a fourth type. This rare cone cell is sensitive to light in the orange range, and it allows them to distinguish millions more hues than the average person.

Tetrachromacy is caused by a mutation on the X chromosome, and while this mutation can cause color blindness in some, it can unlock extraordinary color perception in others. The twist? It’s almost impossible to diagnose—so you could be a tetrachromat without even knowing it.

Could your eyes be hiding a visual superpower? Watch as Alex Dainis breaks it down in this bite-sized science explainer.