Israeli scientists racing to create 'bionic eye' that could help millions

[Behind the Aegis]

Source: Ha'aretz

Israeli and international scientists are working to develop a revolutionary technology that could restore sight to millions. Within a few years, one or more versions of a "bionic eye" for people with degenerative conditions affecting the retina are expected to be available commercially.

Damage to the retina, the membrane that lines the inside of the eyeball and is connected via the optic nerve to the brain, is among the leading causes of vision loss in the developed world.

The innovative technology relies on the brain's acquired ability to process visual data. As such, it will only provide a limited field of vision.

Nano Retina, based in Herzliya Pituah and founded by entrepreneur Yossi Gross, is developing an implant that will replace damaged photo-receptors in the eyes and provide gray-scale vision to a resolution of 1300 pixels for the first generation of chips and 5000 pixels for the second generation. The company hopes to begin marketing its implant within five years.



Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1161090.html

[PCIntern]

1. No, sorry.

According to many, they have to pick up and leave the country, so they won't be able to finish it. :sarcasm:

[sui generis]

2. it's only a tiny leap from there to bionic brains

which would help billions, and make the Wizard of Oz highly relevant to the technology discussion.

If I Only Had a Brain

I could while away the hours, conferrin' with the flowers
Consultin' with the rain.
And my head I'd be scratchin' while
my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain.
I'd unravel every riddle for any individ'le,
In trouble or in pain.
With the thoughts you'll be thinkin'
you could be another Lincoln
If you only had a brain.
Oh, I could tell you why The ocean's near the shore.
I could think of things I never thunk before.
And then I'd sit, and think some more.
I would not be just a nothin' my head all full of stuffin'
My heart all full of pain.
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry,
If I only had a brain.

on a more serious note, that's good news. It will definitely help me keep an extra eye on things.

oh god I can't stop.

[leftynyc]

3. This is great news

I have an uncle with retinitis pigmentosa and even if this wont help him (it may, I have no idea), it's great that strides are being made against blindness.

[Tripmann]

4. Brilliant. Well done to all involved!

[sellitman]

5. Imagine the hope this could induce.

Stunning!

[Blue_Tires]

6. if there's no bionic X-ray vision, then what's the point?

lolz

[Dark]

7. But but but, Israel has that nasty socialized medicine. How can they innovate with

all that gov. red tape?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_care_in_Israel

[sakabatou]

8. So, how many years until we get this?

[proteus_lives]

9. Sooner then you think.

I don't know if I would want a computerized brain though....

[proteus_lives]

10. The future is now!

Mankind's evolution may be technological rather than biological.

[boppers]

11. With built-in limited vision.

How Israeli of them.

[Poll_Blind]

12. No, no- see response #1: Our Israeli cyber eyeball benefactors are already under threat!

This must not stand!

PB

[Eg-ptiangirl]

13. great news

hope they really do it.

[Joe Bacon]

14. Holy Steve Austin, Batman!

Wow, can Jamie Sommer's Bionic Ear be far behind??????

[lonestarnot]

15. Woodamnwho!

This is fantastic news! :bounce:

[kimmerspixelated]

16. There are none so blind as those who will not see!

But the real question is...for those with lifelong blindness, will they really go ahead with it? WIll Stevie Wonder go for it, or is he comfortable with his other senses being his main guide?