Scientists make eye's retina from stem cells
The growing retina can be seen highlighted greenA part of the eye that is essential for vision has been created in the laboratory from animal stem cells, offering hope to the blind and partially sighted.
One day it might be possible to make an eye in a dish, Nature journal reports.
The Japanese team used mouse stem cells - immature cells that have the ability to turn into many types of body tissue.
With the right mix of nutrients, the cells changed and began to grow to make a synthetic retina.
Ultimately, scientists hope they can use this approach to make endless supplies of retinal cells or indeed whole retinas that can be transplanted into patients with visual impairment.
Eventually, it may even be possible to create a whole eye.
A US biotech company has already been granted a license to begin human trials of a stem cell treatment for blindness.
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