Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Study finds key to repairing optic nerves

Source: United Press International
Posted: May 15, 2006

BOSTON, May 15 (UPI) -- Researchers have discovered that a newly discovered growth factor could hold the key to regenerating damaged optic nerves -- and more.

The research team at Children's Hospital in Boston say they have found a naturally occurring, previously unrecognized growth factor that stimulates regeneration in injured optic nerves.

The findings provide hope for treating blindness caused by optic-nerve damage, but also look promising for spurring similar regeneration in the spinal cord and brain.

Commentary: Hopefully this growth factor will have positive outcomes for patients if it can be turn into an effective therapy.

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