A recent study conducted by teams at Gazi University and Bilkent City Hospital in Ankara, Turkey, has highlighted a possible link between the exposure to blue light, similar to the kind emitted by digital screens, and the earlier onset of puberty in male rats. This study builds on their prior research where female rats demonstrated comparable early puberty results due to the same exposure.
The details of this study were shared at the 61st Annual European Society for Paediatric Dr. Aylin Kılınç Uğurlu, heading the research at Bilkent City Hospital, shared that the correlation between blue light exposure and early puberty was observed in both male and female rats, providing more insights into its potential effects.
In the experiment, 18 male rats of 21 days old were grouped into three sets. The first two groups were subjected to daily blue light exposure for durations of six or 12 hours, respectively. The third group, without any blue light exposure, followed a standard 12-hour light-dark routine. Upon observation, earlier signs of puberty were evident in the blue light-exposed rats when compared to the non-exposed ones.
Dr. Uğurlu urged caution while interpreting these results, highlighting that this study was primarily conducted on ratsact. She expressed the necessity of more studies before drawing human-related conclusions. However, she acknowledged the study’s value in raising awareness about the possible health implications of extended screen time in today’s digital age.
The research team’s goal is to delve deeper into the potential lasting impacts of blue light on reproductive health and fertility in rats. Uğurlu hopes that such findings might pave the way for preventive actions and enrich conversations on how modern lifestyles might influence health and development.
Given the widespread use of digital devices, there’s a growing concern among experts about their health implications, especially for the younger generation. It’s already known that blue light can interfere with sleep by hindering melatonin production, possibly affecting the well-being of teenagers. This study further emphasizes the need for balanced screen time guidelines for youngsters.