Oregon State University discovered a new color, and a study found methylene blue could help improve memory.

A group of scientists at Oregon State University, led by chemist Mas Subramanian, discovered a new color YInMn blue. The color was named after the elements Yttrium, Indium and Manganese, Today reported.

The group discovered the color while they were experimenting with materials for electronics applications in 2009, OSU wrote in a press release.

Some people said the newly discovered pigment looks like cobalt blue. What makes this pigment different from other shades of blue is it forms "in such a way that red and green wavelengths are absorbed, and light reflects back only blue," according to the chemists. Other features that make it special are its durability and stability, and it does not fade. By having this unique structure, it can be used on buildings and roofs to keep them cool by reflecting infrared light.

Meanwhile, a new study found out that methylene blue could help improve memory. This is not a type of pigment, but this is a drug that occurs in a century.

Today, the drug is used to treat methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder, in which there is an abnormal amount of methemoglobin-a form of hemoglobin.

A study published by the Radiological Society of North America focuses on a double-blind, placebo-controlled test of 26 adults, who were given a single low dose of Methylene Blue. Doctors who were involved in this study, used MRI to measure brain activity.

The result showed there was an increase in MRI activity observed in the subjects who took Methylene Blue, Slash Gear reported. Additionally, there was a seven percent increase in correct answers during memory retrieval activities.

This is not the first time that Methylene Blue and an improvement in memory was linked by a study. This new study will be fall in line in previous studies.

Topics Oregon State University