Can you see the eye?

A team of researchers at the University of Washington has successfully used therapeutic genes to allow colorblind, adult Squirrel Monkeys to distinguish between red and green again.  Something intriguing indeed to this colorblind man’s heart.

Though they aren’t testing the process on humans yet, it’s important to note that the monkeys were adults as it was previously thought only younger, more “plastic” brains would accept the new DNA instructions provided by the genes introduced to  the light-sensing cells at the back of the eye.

The monkeys used in this test were treated over two years ago and their improvement in color vision has remained stable since that time.  “Further research is required, however, before this comes to human clinical trials, and therapy in the clinics,” but if successful it could help about 7% of males and 1% of female who are born with colorblindness.

Personally the concept actually seems a little freaky to one day see things in a different light (spectrum) for the rest of my life, however, I’m very much ready for those tests!  NASA here I come!

Read the full article over at BBC News.