TED-Ed: Could a blind eye regenerate? - David Davila

The video explores the concept of blindness, often caused by genetic diseases like Retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome, which affect the retina. It introduces the zebrafish, a creature capable of regenerating its retina, unlike humans. The human retina consists of photoreceptors that do not regenerate, leading to vision loss. Zebrafish, however, can regenerate these cells, thanks to Müller glia, which transform into stem cells to repair the retina. Scientists study this process to potentially apply it to human retinal repair, though challenges remain in triggering this regeneration in humans.

What are the two genetic diseases mentioned that can lead to blindness?

• Glaucoma and Cataracts

• Retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome

• Macular degeneration and Diabetic retinopathy

• Color blindness and Night blindness

What unique ability does the zebrafish possess that is of interest to scientists?

• Ability to live in both fresh and saltwater

• Ability to survive without oxygen

• Ability to change color

• Ability to regenerate its retina

How do zebrafish photoreceptors regenerate after being damaged?

• They are repaired by external factors

• They regenerate and rewire themselves to the brain

• They are replaced by new cells from the skin

• They do not regenerate

What role do Müller glia cells play in zebrafish retinal regeneration?

• They remove toxins from the retina

• They provide nutrients to existing photoreceptors

• They transform into stem cells to regenerate photoreceptors

• They act as a barrier to prevent damage

What is the main challenge in applying zebrafish retinal regeneration mechanisms to humans?

• Developing new surgical techniques

• Creating artificial photoreceptors

• Understanding the structure of the human eye

• Finding the right chemicals to trigger the process