UK scientists seek to restore sight

We're confident that between all these brilliant minds, restoration of sight in humans isn't too terribly far off. Scientists housing their research in Glasgow University are working towards incorporating a device similar to a digital camera (surgery cost based on megapixels and zoom?) into those who have lost their vision due to "age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa." More specifically, an imaging detector would be used to detect light sources that would electrically stimulate the retina in the shape of the given image(s). From there, the process is fairly natural as the brain receives an image via the optic nerve that it can comprehend. So what differentiates this study from the rest? If successful, the image detectors will have memory chips that could allow for slow motion viewing and instant replays of what humans equipped with the device see, possibly giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "double-take."

[base2wave @ Jul 13th 2006 3:12AM]

Wait, It's got memory too?!? Well, then if you have memory, then it makes sense to create the abilty to offload said memory to a digital media. In which case I'd like to sign up to be the first for an SD slot in my head. OR better yet, USB. At least with USB I could then add a couple volts and plug in a USB fan to my skull when I'm not offloading data.

[Crazylink @ Jul 13th 2006 3:18AM]

I wonder if they'll let ordinary people get one.

[Brian @ Jul 13th 2006 3:47AM]

Bionic implants? SIGN ME UP! I'll take a pair of 35mm, 8 megapixel retinas w/ digital zoom and recording function!

Heck, I'd cut my eyes out so my insurance would pay for it!

[LittleJoe @ Jul 13th 2006 4:04AM]

wowzers.

yeah... that's all i got.

[Taylor @ Jul 13th 2006 4:09AM]

This will never happen.
Why?
Is it because it is too complex?
No.
Is it because it is unsafe?
No.
Is it because there isn't enough demand?
No.
It's that dirty little four letters we've all become so familiar with: the MPAA.
I bet they lobby against this. People with built-in video cameras? You bet the MPAA will have at least SOMETHING to say about it...
Imagine having to buy crippled implants and then hack them to get them to do what you want! Hmmm....
-Taylor

[Jim @ Jul 13th 2006 4:14AM]

These should be immediately fitted to all FIFA referees. Maybe they'd be able to get the odd decision right now and again.

[Andrew Wang @ Jul 13th 2006 6:06AM]

re: Taylor

Nice logic, but I think if the MPAA tried to stop elderly from being able to see, they would receive so much bad press that they would literally implode.

[Peter Reynolds @ Jul 13th 2006 6:26AM]

One in 5000 of us have retinitis pigmentosa. That's more than a million. First we have trouble finding our seat in a darkened movie theater, then we knock over wine glasses that are right in front of us. Eventually we can't drive at night, and then we can't drive at all. This can happen to us quickly or slowly. It can happen when we're young or old. There's no cure.

Instead of looking forward to having a guidedog, now, perhaps, we can look forward to watching a video iPod.

[Matt @ Jul 13th 2006 6:57AM]

If apple end up doing the software will they market it as an iBall ?

[Atanas Boev @ Jul 13th 2006 8:47AM]

"Retinitis pigmentosa" sounds so much like a Harry Potter -type of jinx ;)

[LPEspecial @ Jul 13th 2006 9:31AM]

This would be great for a lot of ppl. I would like to sign in for the optional X-ray module.

[Calviin @ Jul 13th 2006 9:57AM]

Can we get Zoom too?

[Jeff @ Jul 13th 2006 11:01AM]

What about x-ray cameras?

For at home medical diagnosis only of course.

[jasafar @ Jul 13th 2006 11:05AM]

Old technology, already exists and is called "EYE-FI"... video explaining the implant here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhqrbjwB4A0

[blackfeather @ Jul 13th 2006 12:23PM]

I can't believe I fell for that jasafar... and at work, no less.

[Gary @ Jul 13th 2006 2:31PM]

Don't need to worry about the MPAA they don't have any power over here :)

[thaite @ Jul 13th 2006 6:51PM]

I could totally use this.

[orangezero @ Jul 13th 2006 7:08PM]

I would argue that it IS too complex and it will be a very, very, very long time before these researches will be able to come up with anything that closely resembles the "vision" that most people take for granted on a daily basis. Its great they are doing this research, but this is such a poorly understood area (vision, brain activity, etc) and they always seem to promise more than they deliver.

The visual system, pathway, etc. would be fantastically difficult to replicate and the transition of electrical impulses from the ccd (or similar) to the correct location of the brain that interprets all of this into "vision" is just beyond current understanding.

IF they are able to determine those things, it will have further reaching outcomes than just helping those with retinitis pigmentosa. Optic Neuritis, brain injuries, brain tumors, all of the Glaucomas, etc will be more profoundly affected and there are a great many more people that would benefit from this research than those that are blind and need "magic bionic" implants. probably not as newsworthy though.

sorry if this seems uninspiring, i just hate it when reporters/researches review these technologies and get people's hopes up.

[David @ Jul 17th 2006 2:05PM]

Once Apple builds their own, you'll be forced to watch "I'm a PC and I'm a Mac" ads when your eyes are closed.

[Frankenstein Black @ Jul 17th 2006 6:17PM]

HEY GUESS WHAT?! They are already working on a Tivo for this called THE SOUL CATCHER 2025! According to those “Mad Scientists” at BT, it will take about 10 terabytes to record your whole life! Man just think, in the future you will be able to playback, like, Scott Baio-watch "Chachi’s" um, moments. Sweeeet! Who needs porn. With this technology your brain will actually think you are doing Pam Anderson and those other Bay Watch Slimy’s. Those my friends will truly be “Strange Days”. Rent it on DVD!

[Frankenstein Black @ Jul 17th 2006 6:28PM]

Woops! Forgot URL of the plot...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114558/plotsummary