Archive for hearing
Gene therapy restores hearing in deaf mice
More than 70 different genes are known to cause deafness when mutated. Jeffrey Holt, PhD, envisions a day when patients with hearing loss have their genome sequenced and their hearing restored by gene therapy. A proof-of-principle study published today by the journal Science Translational Medicine takes a clear step in that direction, restoring hearing in deaf mice. “Our gene ... Read More about Gene therapy restores hearing in deaf mice
How things work: Scientists find cellular channels vital for hearing
Ending a 30-year search by scientists, researchers have identified two proteins in the inner ear that are critical for hearing, which, when damaged by genetic mutations, cause a form of delayed, progressive hearing loss. The proteins are essentially transducers: They form channels that convert mechanical sound waves entering the inner ear into electrical signals that ... Read More about How things work: Scientists find cellular channels vital for hearing
Gene-therapy trial will attempt to restore hearing in deaf mice
Sound waves produce the sensation of hearing by vibrating hair-like structures on the inner ear’s sensory hair cells. But how this mechanical motion gets converted into electrical signals that go to our brains has long been a mystery. Scientists have believed some undiscovered protein is involved. Such proteins have been identified for taste, smell and ... Read More about Gene-therapy trial will attempt to restore hearing in deaf mice