As Eye See It
Words Fed Feliciano

The number of people around the world suffering from retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are in its millions-and the race is on to find a way to restore vision.

This is how we process the things we see: our eyes allow light to enter the eyeball and stimulate numerous microscopic rods and cones at the back of the eye. This creates images by converting their analog light signals into digital electro-chemical pulses, which are then sent to the brain. However, retinitis pigmentosa and AMD kill these rods and cones, so the light isn't translated and the images aren't processed.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, led by electrical engineering professor John Wyatt, have developed a chip that could help stop blindness. The process involves attaching a microchip to a patient's eyeball. This chip is attached to a 10-micron thick electrode array that goes through the white of the eye and remains against the retina from behind.

For it to work, the patient needs to wear a pair of glasses and carry a device that processes signals. A small camera is fixed on the hinge of the spectacles near the affected eye. Images taken from the camera are sent through a wire attached to a battery and a signal processor, which translates the images into electromagnetic signals. A primary data coil is placed in the spectacles, while a second data coil is surgically implanted around the patient's eyeball. The primary data coil receives the electromagnetic signals from the processor and forwards it to the secondary data coil to create an image.

The chips are still undergoing short-term trials but MIT hopes to have a chip worthy of testing on chronic patients of AMD and retinitis pigmentosa within the next two years.

STIMULATING SIGHT

Second Sight Medical Products, a privately owned company, is also testing its own chip, which is implanted in the eyeball and not behind the retina. Second Sight has already conducted tests on 38 visually impaired people worldwide with subjects reporting that they can read very large letters and can locate and recognize objects and detect motion.

Scientists paralyze, cure worms with light
Words Kimberly U. Go

It's like Star Trek's phaser, only better. A team of scientists from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, Canada have devised a way to paralyze and un-paralyze worms by simply flashing them with different beams of light. Think of it as the scientific equivalent of the "Stupefy" and "Ennervate" spells in Harry Potter.

The findings of the team led by Neil Branda were published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Upon ingestion of a chemical called dithienylethene, which changes shape when exposed to UV light, the nematodes (unsegmented worms) were exposed to UV light, causing them to turn blue. The dithienylethene changed shape, interrupted the worm's energy-producing processes, and paralyzed the worms. To release them from their frozen condition, the scientists shone visible light on the nematodes. The levels of paralysis differed depending on the amount of material ingested (some worms that ingested too much died).

The research involving the nematodes served as a confirmation of the first known ability to use light as a means of switching a biological function on and off. Possible medical applications include light-activated drugs. When the time comes that photoswitch drugs are developed, then capsules will not be needed anymore- the drugs will remain inert in the bloodstream until activated.

Renault's spa on wheels
Words Ria Rivera

Renault's Zoe ZE Concept is so French it was developed with L'Oreal. So what happens when the renowned French carmaker teams up with the internationally admired cosmetic brand? A beautiful innovation, that's what.

The Zoe ZE Concept is an all-electric, zero-emission vehicle that's powerful enough for everyday use thanks to its 70kW electric motor that develops 226Nm of torque. It also sports a retractable spoiler that contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency. It's not short on whiz-bang technology: a roof that insulates the occupants from heat and cold, and optimizes climate control via its honeycomb photovoltaic cells; polyurethane gel coating that protects the energy-efficient lights and serves as a second skin in case of minor mishaps; and air intakes on either side that allow airflow to cool the batteries.

Inside, you get pampered with comfortable seats and customizable controls. And the little something from the folks from Biotherm, L'Oreal Luxury Products skin biology brand? Three spa-like features: hydrating function that prevents dry skin; detox function that monitors air quality and shuts off air vents when necessary; and active scent function that releases essential oils suited to the mood of the moment (i.e. energizing scent for the tiring drive back home).

For full stories, grab a copy of Speed's MARCH 2010 ISSUE in bookstores and newsstands near you.