Wednesday, January 17, 2018

New Artificial Retina That Can Be Used in Transplants

London, Jan 17.- An international group of scientists created the first artificial retina that can replace a damaged one, the specialized journal Nano Letters published on Wednesday.

It is a nanotechnological tissue that functions as an artificial retina and its application could restore sight to many people with vision problems, the creators highlighted.

The research team was composed of scientists from the University of Tel-Aviv, the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology of Jerusalem, and the University of Newcastle.

None of the designs so far were practical, small or with sufficient image quality, the experts commented.

Instead of trying to miniaturize electronic components, the scientists developed a flexible fabric composed of carbon nanotubes that reacts similarly to the retina.

'When receiving light, this tissue is capable of generating electrical impulses to excite nervous tissue under the retina,' explained the Nano Letters report.

The material is more durable, flexible and efficient when it comes to capturing light than any of the previous solutions, the scientific publication highlighted.

So far, researchers have successfully tested the material in the retina of a chicken, according to the media. (Prensa Latina)