Nanotech and the Blind

tomsastroblog writes "In a BBC report scientists injected blind hamsters with a solution containing nanoparticles. The result? Nerves re-grew and sight returned. The researchers injected the blind hamsters with a solution of synthetically made peptides; within 24 hours the brain started to heal itself. The peptides were later broken down by the body into a harmless substance and was excreted three to four weeks later. From the article: 'We are looking at this as a step process. If this can be used while operating on humans to mitigate damage during neurosurgery, that would be the first step,'"

Comments

Scientific progress is amazing

[Profane MuthaFucka]

Everytime I read one of these articles with a breakthrough in treating a deadly disease or severe disability, I have to say to myself that it's surely a wonderful time to be a mouse!

I hope these cures can be adapted for humans too.

Re:Scientific progress is amazing

[dr_dank]

The mouse model is a good starting point for research, but it's not always a great predictor of human response.

My hypothesis is that the responses would be the same. To test this, go to Disneyland and kick Mickey Mouse in the crotch. Then, kick a comparably-sized human male in the crotch. Note the similarities in the response.

Re:Scientific progress is amazing

[utexaspunk]

Then, kick a comparably-sized human male in the crotch.

I tried, but I couldn't find any human males with such gigantic heads...

Re:Scientific progress is amazing

[isotope23]

Scene - cold, dark, run down storage room in a lab complex.

Mouseus :Eat the Red cheese and go back to your normal running wheel life.
                  Eat the Blue cheese and see just how deep the mousehole goes.

                    Welcome to the mouseterix....

Re:iPod NanoBots

[Anonymous Coward]

Parent La Geek

Re:Fantastic!

[Vengeance]

Publicity? Claim they're using embryonic stem cells.

Funding? Claim they're eliminating the need to use embryonic stem cells.

Both? Claim it's due to the power of prayer, and everyone should send in five dollars.

Nursery Rhymes

[Hieronymus Howard]

Would this also work on the three blind mice?

The REAL story

[samjam]

BBC Scientists made blind mice into the Borg who armed themselves with linux powered laser-headed sharks and took over the BBC and released this pleasant sounding statement.

We're doomed! Borg mice, who'd'a'thought it!

Sam

Re:iPod NanoBots

[dr_dank]

The real question is why was the air filter he wore so big?

The prop guys probably had a bet going to see if that guy from Reading Rainbow would wear a banana clip on his face.

Significant Differences

[Anonymous Coward]

I went ahead an tried your experimient.

First, I kicked my brother in the crotch. He doubled over, held his crotch and moaned. This was really just for form's sake cause I kick him there all the time and I already know what he does.

Then, I went to Disneyland... almost screwed up the experiment cause my travel agent booked Disney World instead but I caught the error in time. Anyway, I wandered around looking at Mickey until he was the same size as my brother. Funny that he can change his size, but I tell youe, he can. Anyway, I then proceded to kick him in the crotch. He yelped "Hey!", lifted off the ground about an inch, then reached back his big fist and clobbered me. His fist was really fatty or something, cause it didn't really hurt, but it was so large it knocked me off balance, and he got a good kick in before some kind of security guard ran up, shouting "Angela! Are you OK?". "Yeah," Mickey replied in a disconcerting falsetto. Into his walkie talkie thingy he said "She's all right, I am taking him in". I was then detained and dragged away.

All in all, I have to conclude your hypothesis that the responses would be the same is a crock of shit.