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Posted: 8th January 2013

Blind mice have vision restored

Researchers have found a way to rebuild sight

Totally blind mice have had their sight recovered by a team of researchers at the University of Oxford.

The results, similar to findings with night-blind mice, were achieved by injecting light-sensing cells into the mice's eyes. This restored vision, but the extent of which is still questionable.

Mice with a complete lack of light-sensing photoreceptor cells in their retinas, which were unable to tell the difference between light and dark, were used for the study.

The research team injected cells that build up the retina once in the eye and, two-weeks after the injections, a retina was formed.

The results have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal.

Professor Robert MacLaren, who took part in the study, said: "We have recreated the whole structure, basically it's the first proof that you can take a completely blind mouse, put the cells in and reconstruct the entire light-sensitive layer."

The mice were tested using bright lights to see if their pupils constricted in response, and their brains were scanned to see if their minds were processing the visual information.

Scientists say the vision field is advancing rapidly, and it is hoped that this breakthrough will also one day help humans with degenerative eye disease.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here.

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