Photoswitch Therapy Restores Vision To Blind Lab Animals

Zothecula writes: A new genetic therapy that helped blind mice and dogs respond to light stimulus could restore sight to people who suffer from diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (a gradual loss of vision from periphery inwards). The therapy uses chemicals known as photoswitches, which change shape when hit with light, to open the channels that activate retinal cells. Treated mice can distinguish between steady and flashing light (abstract), while dogs with late-stage retinal degeneration also regain some sensitivity to light.

Comments

Re:Evil psychopaths

[BarbaraHudson]

Imagine if it were YOU being tortured... having your eyes destroyed for an 'experiment'... Oh, wait! I'm on Slashdot! Most people here are sociopaths, who can't feel the suffering of others... and have to spend their entire lives PRETENDING to give a toss about other human beings, let alone animals...

The dogs were already suffering from the same disease. No dogs eyes were "destroyed for an experiment." FTFA:

The dogs were chosen because they have inherited a genetic disease caused by the same gene defect as some people with retinitis pigmentosa. Several of them at PennVet were treated and are currently undergoing tests to determine what degree of light sensitivity they now have.