Scientist Will Soon Be Able to “Print” You Better Eyesight?

[Reefa]

The BBC recently reported some rather eye popping news: Scientists at Cambridge University have been able to print replacement eye cells for the retinas of mice using a specialized inkjet printer. First published in the journal Biofabrication, the research could have wider applications for humans affected by various levels of blindness. Science!

The retina at the back of the eye is part of the complex conduit system that carries observed information from the eye to the brain and as the authors of the study, Professor Keith Martin and Dr. Barbara Lorber explain, the loss of the retina is behind a lot of eye diseases. “The retina is an exquisitely organized structure where the precise arrangement of cells in relation to one another is critical for effective visual function. Our study has shown, for the first time, that cells derived from the mature central nervous system, the eye, can be printed”

They use something called a ”piezoelectric inkjet printer” (yeah, say that three times fast). The results are still in the early stages, but the researchers are hoping to use the 3-D technology to repair retinas in the future. The implications could be huge.

“The key to this research, once the technology has moved on, will be how much useful vision is restored,” said Clara Eaglen, of the John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair at the University of Cambridge. ”Even a small bit of sight can make a real difference, for some people it could be the difference between leaving the house on their own or not.”

Source:http://theknow.ask.com/scientist-will-soon-be-able-to-print-you-better-eyesight

Edited December 29, 2013 by F3dupsk1Nup

[janedoe]

First livers, now eyes? Nice! :) Maybe one day amputees, war/landmine victims and disease afflicted people in general won't have to suffer any longer, and replacement parts will merely be a click and print away.

Edited December 29, 2013 by janedoe

[RobrPatty]

I have torn my retinas 4 times now. So hopefully this kind of science can help me. Knock on wood.

[janedoe]

I have torn my retinas 4 times now.

What in heaven's name have you been doing? :o

[Reefa]

I just wanted to say my maximum respect goes to @janedoe..i always learn a lot from your comments :)

Edited December 29, 2013 by F3dupsk1Nup

[janedoe]

I just wanted to say my maximum respect goes to @janedoe..i always learn a lot from your comments :)

Thanks a lot, that's very kind of you. :) I wanted to Like many of your posts but have already hit my limit for the day apparently (how much is the limit anyway?) Just want to say that you've done a wonderful job of taking up Matsuda's mantle and posting the news of late. Have to commend your choices - informative articles that both educate and invite comment, so naturally I can't resist. :D

[Reefa]

I just wanted to say my maximum respect goes to @janedoe..i always learn a lot from your comments :)

Thanks a lot, that's very kind of you. :) I wanted to Like many of your posts but have already hit my limit for the day apparently (how much is the limit anyway?) Just want to say that you've done a wonderful job of taking up Matsuda's mantle and posting the news of late. Have to commend your choices - informative articles that both educate and invite comment, so naturally I can't resist. :D

Thanks very kind of you to appreciated..I will try my hardest to keep everyone informed..By the way i believe its 15 likes a day..Take care peace :)