To read a good book we need to be able to see clearly. Illnesses such as macular degeneration lead to reduced visual capacity.
One possible solution is the use of a biohybrid retina. Photoreceptors were first produced from stem cells in 2012.
But the key is making sure the cells get to the right place. Scientists have developed an artificial scaffold which can be implanted under the damaged retina.
Various structures have been tested which arrange the cells on the scaffold. The most effective is reminiscent of an ice-cube tray and functions like a patch.
It allows up to 300,000 photoreceptor cells to be positioned under the retina, and pass through tiny holes to kickstart regeneration.
