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Infrared Vision, Fitness Hacks, and the Rise of the Purple Tomato
The Point by Modern Sciences - February 11, 2026
Don Smith
February 11, 2026
By The Modern Sciences Team | February 11, 2026 |
Welcome back, Cultivators of Curiosity!
Welcome to the 5th volume of The Point by Modern Sciences! In this edition, we bring you three stories that demonstrate how cutting-edge innovation is reshaping the human experience—from the way we see the world to how we fuel our bodies.
First, we explore a breakthrough in optics that grants humans the "superpower" of infrared vision, a tool that could revolutionize search and rescue. Next, we look at the data-driven proof that wearable fitness trackers are more than just gadgets; they are scientifically proven catalysts for long-term health. Finally, we examine the success of the purple tomato, a milestone in genetic engineering that promises more nutritious, resilient food for a growing planet. We invite you to take a closer look at these advancements, as they represent the tangible ways science is solving the complexities of modern life.
ENGINEERING
New Contact Lenses Enable Humans and Mice to See Invisible Infrared Light
Scientists have created contact lenses that let humans and mice perceive infrared light, using special nanoparticles that shift invisible wavelengths into visible colors. This power-free technology allows wearers to see infrared signals as blue, green, or red light, opening doors for applications in rescue, security, and accessibility—potentially reshaping how we experience and interpret the world around us.
The Point:
Infrared vision unlocked: New contact lenses embedded with special nanoparticles allow humans and mice to see infrared light by converting it into visible colors.
Behavioral proof in mice: Tests showed mice could detect and respond to infrared light, with pupil constriction and brain activity confirming visual perception.
Practical and medical potential: The lenses' ability to color-code infrared wavelengths could aid colorblind users and support security, rescue, and diagnostics applications.
HEALTH AND THE BODY
Wearable fitness trackers can make you seven times more likely to stick to your workouts – new research
New research reveals that using wearable fitness trackers can make you seven times more likely to maintain an exercise routine over six months. Focusing on adults with type 2 diabetes, the study highlights how smartwatches combined with remote coaching overcome common barriers to physical activity. These findings suggest wearables are powerful tools for long-term behavior change and fitness goal achievement.
The Point:
Wearable tech significantly boosts long-term exercise adherence: People with type 2 diabetes using smartwatches and remote coaching were ten times more likely to start exercising and seven times more likely to remain active after six months.
Personalised feedback and flexibility drive results: Participants credited real-time progress tracking, coach messaging, and adaptable plans as key motivators for sustained activity, even one year after the programme ended.
Behaviour-change strategies enhance wearable effectiveness: Setting specific goals, scheduling activity, tracking progress, using rewards, and sharing progress with others increase motivation and build lasting habits, especially when paired with supportive coaching.
ENGINEERING
The story of the purple tomato — and why its success is a win for GM foods
The recent US regulatory approval of the genetically modified purple tomato marks a significant milestone for biotechnology. Developed by researchers at the John Innes Centre, these nutrient-dense fruits contain high levels of anthocyanins, offering improved shelf life and potential health benefits. As GM foods gain traction, this success highlights how genetic engineering can enhance food security, nutrition, and crop resilience.
The Point:
A breakthrough in GM foods: The purple tomato, recently approved for sale in the US, marks a major step in genetically modified food development. Due to its high anthocyanin content, it offers longer shelf life and potential health benefits.
Why modify tomatoes? Developed using snapdragon genes, these tomatoes have anthocyanin levels comparable to blueberries, improving disease resistance, delaying spoilage, and possibly reducing inflammation and cancer risk.
The road ahead for GM crops: Despite proven safety and potential to combat malnutrition and climate challenges, genetically modified foods still face regulatory and public acceptance hurdles worldwide.