Fact Check: "Hogi Shoots People with Laser Eyes"
What We Know
The claim that "hogi shoots people with laser eyes" appears to be a misinterpretation or exaggeration of recent scientific research involving lasers and human eyes. Researchers at the University of Washington and the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a system called Oz that uses laser pulses to activate cone cells in the retina. This method aims to help individuals perceive a new color, described as a "blue-green of unprecedented saturation" (CNET). The lasers are not used to "shoot" people in a harmful way; rather, they are part of a controlled experimental procedure intended to enhance visual perception in patients with retinal diseases.
Additionally, the term "laser eyes" has become popular in meme culture, often associated with edited images that depict individuals with glowing eyes, symbolizing power or intensity (Know Your Meme). This cultural reference has no relation to any actual capability of shooting lasers from one's eyes.
Analysis
The phrase "hogi shoots people with laser eyes" conflates two separate concepts: scientific research involving lasers and the cultural meme surrounding "laser eyes."
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Scientific Context: The research conducted by the University of Washington and UC Berkeley is focused on using laser technology to aid vision, particularly for those with retinal issues. The lasers are used in a clinical setting to stimulate the retina, not as a weapon or harmful tool (CNET, ABC3340). This context is crucial as it indicates a positive application of technology rather than a violent act.
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Cultural Context: The "laser eyes" meme has evolved over time, originating from video games and becoming a popular visual effect in political and social memes. This phenomenon is unrelated to any real-life ability to emit lasers from one's eyes (Know Your Meme, FastSlang). The meme's usage is primarily humorous or satirical, lacking any factual basis in reality.
The sources discussing the scientific research are credible, coming from established academic institutions and reputable news outlets. In contrast, the cultural references are derived from internet memes, which, while popular, do not convey factual information.
Conclusion
The claim that "hogi shoots people with laser eyes" is False. The scientific research involving lasers and the eye is aimed at enhancing vision, not harming individuals. Furthermore, the term "laser eyes" in popular culture refers to a meme and does not imply any actual capability to shoot lasers. The conflation of these two distinct concepts leads to a misunderstanding of the facts.
Sources
- Researchers shoot lasers at people's eyes to help them see a new color (CNET) - Link
- Why We Started Shooting Lasers Into People's Eyeballs (YouTube) - Link
- What Is The 'Laser Eyes Meme' And How Did It Become Prevalent In Meme Culture? (Know Your Meme) - Link
- I'm Getting Lasers Shot Into My Eyes (YouTube) - Link
- Laser Eyes - Slang Meaning and Examples (FastSlang) - Link
- A short post on laser eyes (Delayed Responses) - Link
- laser eyes shooting Memes (Imgflip) - Link
- 'Jaw-dropping': Scientists reportedly discover new color by shooting lasers into eyes (ABC3340) - Link
