💻 An Artificial Retina Could Restore Vision—and Even Enable Night Vision

Many forms of blindness are caused by the loss of photoreceptors—the cells that convert light into neural signals. However, the ganglion cells that transmit these signals to the brain often remain intact.

Researchers in South Korea used these surviving cells to restore vision, and even add "superpowers," at least in mice for now. They implanted a retinal device made up of a matrix of phototransistors that amplify near-infrared light, along with soft liquid-metal microelectrodes that transmit signals directly to the ganglion cells.

With the implant, blind mice began responding to infrared flashes. In sighted mice, the device also integrated successfully: they retained normal vision and gained the ability to detect infrared light.

💡 The device doesn't interfere with regular vision. If only part of the retina is damaged, the healthy areas can still process visible light. How the brain would combine these two "channels" is still unknown—even to the researchers.

The artificial retina is still a prototype, with a resolution of just 6×6 pixels and requiring external power. Before human trials can begin, researchers will need to demonstrate its safety.

Would you want infrared vision?

❤️ — Yes, that's a superpower!
😎 — I'm fine with regular vision

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