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Published online 25 April 2008 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2008.781

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Blind mice see the light

Protein from algae could one day be used in treatments for blindness.

Kerri Smith

Blind mice have been made to sense light by inserting a protein derived from algae into their eyes. A similar method could one day be used to treat certain forms of blindness in humans, the researchers hope.

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  • The effects of ChR2 may be better proved or refuted using Chronobiological techniques; by proving entrainment to light in ChR2-inserted blind mice, Vs. untreated controls. Personally, I expect a definite phase-shifting effect. -Priyoneel Basu, Junior Research Fellow, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, India

    • 28 Apr, 2008
    • Posted by: Priyoneel Basu