Chemical temporarily restores vision in blind mice

http://www.dailycal.org/2012/07/27/chemical-restores-vision-in-blind-mice/

Researchers from UC Berkeley, University of Munich and University of Washington have discovered a molecule that temporarily restores vision in blind mice.

Professor Richard Kramer from the campus Department of Molecular and Cell Biology said the researchers are trying to find a chemical derivative to restore visual function.

Currently, more than 3,000,000 Americans suffer from retinitis pigmentosa — an inherited eye disease due to the damage of the rod and cone photoreceptor cells in the retina — and age-related macular degeneration, according to the study, which was published Thursday in the science journal Neuron.

Acrylamide-Azobenzene-Quaternary ammonium, or AAQ, is the molecule that allows temporary restoration of vision.