New stem cell approach for blindness successful in mice (w/
video) Cells which have re-formed the light sensitive layer of
the retina are shown in green. (Medical Xpress)—Blind mice can
see again, after Oxford University researchers transplanted
developing cells into their eyes and found they could re-form
the entire light-sensitive layer of the retina. Videos show the
nocturnal mice, which once didn't notice the difference between
light and dark at all, now run from the light and prefer to be
in the dark – just like mice with normal vision. The researchers
say the approach has relevance for treating patients with
retinitis pigmentosa, a condition in which the light-sensing
cells in the retina gradually die leading to progressive
blindness. The study was led by Professor Robert MacLaren in the
Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University
of Oxford, together with Dr Mandeep Singh, an eye surgeon from
the National University Hospital of Singapore who is currently
undertaking PhD studies in Ox