Source: Washington Post
Posted: November 9, 2006
Summary:
Scientists reported that blind mice regained some ability to see after getting transplants of cells taken from the eyes of other mice, strengthening the prospect that it may someday be possible to restore vision in some people who have lost most or all of their eyesight. They said the new study showed for the first time that light-detecting retina cells -- which in this case were taken from other animals but which scientists have begun to grow from human embryonic stem cells -- can orient themselves properly after being injected into a blind eye, connect to other nerve cells and communicate appropriately with visual centers in the brain.
Commentary: if further studies in animals are successful and the results can be safely and successfully replicated in humans, this discovery might eventually lead to treatments for eye diseases and disorders.
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