Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Nanotube Film Could Replace Defective Retinas

Posted by Soulskill on from the but-what-if-I-like-the-idea-of-lasers-in-my-eyes dept.

Zothecula writes: A promising new study (abstract) suggests that a wireless, light-sensitive, and flexible film could potentially form part of a prosthetic device to replace damaged or defective retinas. The film both absorbs light and stimulates neurons without being connected to any wires or external power sources, setting it apart from silicon-based devices used for the same purpose. It has so far been tested only on light-insensitive retinas from embryonic chicks, but the researchers hope to see the pioneering work soon reach real-world human application.

9 of 24 comments (clear)

  1. already exists to an extent by SLot · · Score: 1

    http://www.secondsight.com/

    granted, second sight's implant does require wires. great to see competition in this field tho.

  2. Re:Mod parent up! by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

    It was reported a few days ago by an IBM partner. I saw it in the firehose, voted it up ...

    The problem wasn't exclusive to slashdot, and it's now fixed. They really should do it as a story.

    Meanwhile, back on-topic... ... it's good to see all the work being done towards fixing retinal problems. Right now, the "retina" only works with ultraviolet light. Imagine if they could get it to work with infrared? Night vision!

    --
    "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
  3. Nanotubes Could Go Back in Time to Prevent 9/11 by bistromath007 · · Score: 1

    "Dad, are you nanotubes?"

    "Yes, son. Now we can be a family again."

  4. So sexist!! by orasio · · Score: 1

    "It has so far been tested only on light-insensitive retinas from embryonic chicks, "

    OMG!! They are called ladies, not "chicks".

  5. Holes too? by antdude · · Score: 1

    Will this work on old people with holes in their retinas?

    --
    Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
    1. Re:Holes too? by mmell · · Score: 1

      It doesn't work on anybody, yet. Who it'll work on will probably have to wait until it actually is made to work for somebody - then "who" will be a select group of people who can afford it. Gray doesn't matter - green does.

  6. Hi Al! by mmell · · Score: 1

    (N/T)

  7. Either shit or get off the pot... by buckfeta2014 · · Score: 1
    To quote myself from the last graphene article...

    Every time I hear about graphite, graphene, bucky balls, nanotubes, and all these other carbon buzzwords, they keep saying "soon soon soon"... Well, what I want to know is when this stuff will leave the research labs and be of any practical use to anyone. Either shit or get off the pot already.

    --
    Buck Feta. You know what to do.
  8. Re:Mod parent up! by gomiam · · Score: 1

    Human eyes filters infrared and ultraviolet light. AFAIK, only certain cataract operations leave patients in conditions to see UV light.