Technology developed by NASA on the space shuttle may one day be used to help blind people regain their sight. According to the scientists, the thin, light sensitive, ceramic films – each of which contains more than 100,000 light detectors – should be capable of producing images similar to the LED display on digital cameras. Professor Alex Ignatiev, from the University of Houston believes that the films could be used to replace light-sensitive rods and cones of the retina that are damaged or destroyed by diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. It is hoped that human trials of the implants will begin this year.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.bbc.co.uk on the 9th January 2002
