2023-05-25 05:42:18
Bringing sight back to people suffering from blindness: it is now possible, thanks to the innovative technique of “sonogenetics”. Serge Picaud and his international research team have just developed this method in their laboratory.
Therapy sonogenetics breaks down into two stages. It consists first of genetically modifying certain neurons in order to be able to activate them remotely by ultrasound. Then convert environmental images into ultrasound waves to stimulate the visual cortex and restore sight in patients with optic nerve atrophy.
An effective method
Test results show that this method is effective in inducing a behavioral response associated with light perception. This discovery offers new treatment prospects for blind people with optic nerve atrophy.
Sonogenetic therapy is a solution to restore sight to patients who have lost the connection between their eyes and their brain during pathologies such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, hereditary or dietary optic neuropathies.
Ultrasounds can access deep tissues, target very specific areas and stimulate only the neurons carrying the mechano-sensitive channel. This method offers high spatiotemporal resolution and requires no physical contact with the brain. The promising results of this method give hope for people with blindness. And maybe even in other localized applications.
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