Zebra fish to help the blind?

Category: News and Views

Post 1 by Musical Ambition (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Saturday, 04-Aug-2007 11:04:43

Hello everyone,
I heard an interesting story on the news, and I wanted to share it with all of you and get your thoughts/opinions. Apparently, researchers have discovered that zebra fish had stem cells in their eyes, and they are able to use these cells to regenerate, and fix, abnormal cells, to help with eye conditions. Researchers have experimented with these stem cells on mice, and so far, they're seeing results. They said that if everything continues to go well, then they would like to start experimenting with humans, ages eighteen months to ninety-one years. If it works in humans, then they are hoping that the procedure will be approved within five years, and it could help with nearly all types of blindness. So, what are your thoughts?

Post 2 by Raskolnikov (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Saturday, 04-Aug-2007 13:45:41

It's a long shot, but hopefully medical science will make it come true. What I like about this is that these cells will repair damaged retinas, and treat glaucoma. But I don't know; I'm a little skeptical that the answer to blindness will come from a fish. I'm keeping my fingers crossed though.

Post 3 by Blue Velvet (I've got the platinum golden silver bronze poster award.) on Saturday, 04-Aug-2007 13:54:58

I'd definitely be willing to try it if it helps glaucoma. I have nothing left to lose, so I wouldn't mind trying it.

Post 4 by bozmagic (The rottie's your best friend if you want him/her to be, lol.) on Saturday, 04-Aug-2007 15:32:54

Blimey! Well, I'd try it if I thought it would work for my eyes.

Jen.

Post 5 by changedheart421 (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Saturday, 04-Aug-2007 16:39:38

I would try it because I have nothing to lose.

Post 6 by frequency (the music man) on Saturday, 04-Aug-2007 16:42:45

i think i'd wait until it was definitely successful. I'd like to keep what site i do have.

Post 7 by Musical Ambition (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Sunday, 05-Aug-2007 9:12:42

It does seem a little far fetched, but nonetheless, it still interests me. So far, they say that they've seen results in lab mice that have glaucoma, macular degeneration, and blindness due to diabetes, but they're hoping that with further research, they'll be able to help nearly all types of blindness.

Post 8 by Blue Velvet (I've got the platinum golden silver bronze poster award.) on Sunday, 05-Aug-2007 9:58:28

Any information about where studies are being done or if they are accepting applications from people who would like to sign up for experimental treatments?

Post 9 by Musical Ambition (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Sunday, 05-Aug-2007 12:10:49

They didn't give any contact information, but I'll look around and see if I find anything. From what I gathered in the report, they haven't started human experimentation yet, because they want to see if it continues to show promise in the mice. But, like I said, if I find anything, I'll definitely post it here, and if anyone else finds anything, please do the same.

Post 10 by Selena Fan (Account disabled) on Sunday, 05-Aug-2007 17:40:54

I would try it! I've always wondered what it would be like to see. I used to get scared when my mom would ask me to ask God to let me see! I would never do it! I'd pray for my friend Susan! She needed the prayers more than me!

Post 11 by soaring eagle (flying high again!) on Thursday, 09-Aug-2007 15:48:13

Interesting, but I would only do one eye, cause if it didn't work I would still like to see light. I wonder how it would help fix the optic nerve.

Post 12 by Harmony (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 15-Nov-2007 14:51:31

I don't know ... I don't really agree with the idea of testing and doing medical research using animals, but if it works on humans ...