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Severed Optical Nerves Can Be Made To Grow Again

Posted by chrisd on from the well-will-you-look-at-that dept.

Anonymous Coward writes: "It is being hailed as one of the most significant advances in nerve regeneration in a decade. After severing an optic nerve in rats, neurologists have found a way to reconnect it to the brain so that it once again transmits normal electrical signals. As reported in the New Scientist this achievement is a first in mammals, and may hint at ways of reversing some types of blindness in people. Scientists also hope to use a version of the technique to treat people with spinal cord injuries.

4 of 187 comments (clear)

  1. Re:FIRST POST! by renehollan · · Score: 3, Funny

    ... better that than listening to the KPMG theme song. Er, oops.

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    You could've hired me.
  2. Someday the tables will turn... by Rothfuss · · Score: 5, Funny


    The team is currently studying the rats' behaviour to assess how good their eyesight is.

    While the rat team is currently trying to figure out how to anaesthetize a large group of humans, and then gnaw their eyes out.

  3. fix the optic nerve by a good poke in the eye by binarybum · · Score: 3, Funny
    "Finally they punctured the lenses in the rats' eyes which releases proteins called crystallins."



    Well, we could repair your optic nerve miss, but it will involve crushing the lens of your eye. You'll be able to see again, but everything will look like it does in a circus mirror.

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    ôó
  4. Re:I have to wonder... by Lumpy · · Score: 3, Funny

    However, it didn't take long for the brain to fix it. After a short while, the brain learned the error, and sensations came out in the expected place.

    so that means your brain released a kernel patch?

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    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.