Re: Nerve cells in blind mice retain their visual function

Jan Panteltje <alien@comet.invalid> wrote:

Nerve cells of blind mice retain their visual function
Nerve cells in the retina were analysed using microelectrodes
 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241126135552.htm
Summary:
 Using microelectrodes, scientists could show that cells in the retina
 play different roles. The produce different signals, which is important
 for the processing of visual information. These differences are
 remarkably stable and still persist in the retina of blind animals. This
 is important for retinal implants.

I recently heard that the presence of a third type of photoreceptor cell
has been detected in the human eye.  As well as rods and cones, there is
a more primitive light-sensitive mechanism for setting the body clock.
People who are completely blind can still maintain a synchronous diurnal
rhythm, but if they have had their eyes surgically removed, their
rhythms no longer synchronise with daylight.

As far as I know, the extra cells have not yet been identified and their
presence is only inferred from their apparent synchronising effect.


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~ Liz Tuddenham ~
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