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Semiconductor array replacement for retina 11 January 2002
Scientists at a NASA research facility & health science center in Houston have constructed an artificial retina consisting of 100,000 ceramic detectors that function like the rods and cones in a healthy retina. This system would be used in cases where the retinal ganglion and the optic nerve are still in tact. The sensors are placed on a film that will dissolve several weeks after being implanted on the retina, leaving the sensors behind. Once implanted, this artificial retina is designed to use existing nerves to transmit impulses to the brain. Human trials are expected to begin this year. See following excert for more info.
Excerpt from NASA Tech Briefs 1/10/02
Scientists at the Space Vacuum Epitaxy Center (SVEC), a NASA-sponsored Commercial Space Center at the University of Houston, are experimenting with thin, photosensitive ceramic films that respond to light in much the same way as the rods and cones in the back of the human eye. Arrays of these films could be implanted in human eyes to restore lost vision.
Rods and cones are biological solar cells in the retina that convert light to electrical impulses that travel along the optic nerve to the brain, where images are formed. Without them, we're blind. Retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration are examples of disorders resulting from malfunctioning cones and rods.
At the SVEC, researchers apply knowledge gained from experiments done in space to develop better photocells and thin films. They are using ceramic detectors, which are thin films that will not deteriorate. The researchers learned how to make the films from experiments conducted using the Wake Shield Facility (WSF), a 12-foot diameter disk-shaped platform launched from the Space Shuttle. The WSF was designed to study epitaxial film growth in the vacuum of space.
Artificial retinas constructed at the SVEC consist of 100,000 tiny ceramic detectors, each one-twentieth the size of a human hair. The arrays are attached to a polymer film one millimeter by one millimeter in size. A couple of weeks after insertion into the eye, the film simply dissolves, leaving the array behind.
The first human trials of the detectors will begin this year. Visit Scientists at the Space Vacuum Epitaxy Center (SVEC), a NASA-sponsored Commercial Space Center at the University of Houston, are experimenting with thin, photosensitive ceramic films that respond to light in much the same way as the rods and cones in the back of the human eye. Arrays of these films could be implanted in human eyes to restore lost vision.
Rods and cones are biological solar cells in the retina that convert light to electrical impulses that travel along the optic nerve to the brain, where images are formed. Without them, we're blind. Retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration are examples of disorders resulting from malfunctioning cones and rods.
At the SVEC, researchers apply knowledge gained from experiments done in space to develop better photocells and thin films. They are using ceramic detectors, which are thin films that will not deteriorate. The researchers learned how to make the films from experiments conducted using the Wake Shield Facility (WSF), a 12-foot diameter disk-shaped platform launched from the Space Shuttle. The WSF was designed to study epitaxial film growth in the vacuum of space.
Artificial retinas constructed at the SVEC consist of 100,000 tiny ceramic detectors, each one-twentieth the size of a human hair. The arrays are attached to a polymer film one millimeter by one millimeter in size. A couple of weeks after insertion into the eye, the film simply dissolves, leaving the array behind.
AbilityHub - 2 January, 2002
AbilityHub (www.abilityhub.com) is a well organized and easy to navigate web site provides some good basic information on assistive technologies for computer access. Major computer access topics discussed are: augmentative communication, blind & visually impaired, cognitive disabilities, deaf and hard of hearing, electronic aids to daily living, learning disabilities, mouse alternatives, keyboard alternatives, switch access, text-to-speech, speech recognition.
Each section gives a brief explanation and description of that area of computer access, as well as clear descriptions of some of the available products and links to where they can be purchased.
This site will be useful for consumers and professionals who are looking for up-to-date information on software and hardware used with computers to allow people with disabilities to become more productive. This site may be particularly useful if you are looking technology that you may be aware of, such as TTY modems or software for switch access, but don't know right away what is currently on the market, or where to get it.
Visual Recipes Cookbook - 25 January 2002
This cookbook is laid out entirely with pictorial and text descriptions on how to cook basic recipes. The step by step instructions are short, clear, and easy to understand. The book has 35 total recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, side orders, snacks, deserts, and drinks. It was written by Tabitha Orth specifically for people with autism and other developmental disabilities who are non readers so that they could become more independent in the kitchen. The book features full color glossy pictures, is hard bound, and is beautifully done.
