Brain Implant Helped A Teacher Regain Vision

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Former science professor who was 16 years blind, a camera and brain implant, based on researchers who worked with the project, were able to read letters, to identify the borders of things and even to play a video game. Per an abstract research, released this week in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the participant had the implant for half a year and no disturbances in its brain activity or any other health concerns.
The research fosters what it terms ‘a long-lasting dream of scientists’ by transmitting information straight to the visual cortex of the brain, which gives blind people a rudimentary look.

“These results are very exciting because they demonstrate both safety and efficacy. We have taken a significant step forward, showing the potential of these types of devices to restore functional vision for people who have lost their vision, “explained one of the lead authors.

The way around the eyes might one day re-instate vision for some 148 million individuals across the world – so many people have had a connection between their eyes and brain broke down, the scientists claim, because of illnesses such as glaucoma or optic atrophy.

The strategy adopted by Utah and Spain researchers is comparable to last year when scientists claimed that participants could read letters through electricity supplying electrical supplies to the brain surface. The methods utilized are identical.

Visual impairment is one of the world’s most frequent impairments and scientists use numerous ways to assist individuals affected. Researchers have utilized the gene-editing technique of CRISPR to tweak DNA in individuals in order to assist them to fight a rare genetic eye disorder.

Gómez was 57 years of age at the start of the investigation. Gómez was appointed co-author of the paper because of her involvement, particularly her ability to offer the investigators clinically accurate comments.

Susan Kowal
Susan Kowal is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor/advisor, and health enthusiast.