A research team has developed a new model for conducting research on the eye. The model is actually a living retina fragment on a chip.1 The model is intended to further the development of personalized treatment of eye diseases. Specifically, the “eye-on-a-chip” may become a less invasive technique for addressing the worsening eyesight caused by macular degeneration.
“Organ-on-a-chip”
“Organ-on-a-chip” models are being developed at a rapid rate and are quickly changing the ability to research and develop treatments for a host of disease processes. The model uses a tiny piece of an organ placed on a microchip with fluid channels. Good results have also been ascertained using these models for heart, arteries and liver tissue.
Technology is simply amazing!
The retina is a slightly different organ to apply this model. It is a multiple layered organ structure with very complex fluid regulation and massive energy consumption; but it seems that its function can also be mirrored on a chip. The process does involve nanotechnology as well as stem cell technology, which enables a culture of the retina using patient’s stem cells.
Current treatment for macular degeneration
The current treatment for macular degeneration consists of injections into the eye. Using the chip model, alternative treatments can be compared side by side in a rapid manner, with less animal trials, and patient testing.
Source:
- https://www.sciencenews.org/article/fake-organ-mimics-what-happens-blink-eye
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Razi Berry is the founder and publisher of the journal Naturopathic Doctor News & Review that has been in print since 2005 and the premier consumer-faced website of naturopathic medicine, NaturalPath. She is the host of The Natural Cancer Prevention Summit and The Heart Revolution-Heal, Empower and Follow Your Heart, and the popular 10 week Sugar Free Summer program. From a near death experience as a young girl that healed her failing heart, to later overcoming infertility and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia though naturopathic medicine, Razi has lived the mind/body healing paradigm. Her projects uniquely capture the tradition and philosophy of naturopathy: The healing power of nature, the vital life force in every living thing and the undeniable role that science and mind/body medicine have in creating health and overcoming dis-ease. Follow Razi on Facebook at Razi Berry and join us at Love is Medicine to explore the convergence of love and health.