- Font:
- +
- -
LOS ANGELES — Scientists are reporting hints that embryonic stem cells can ease blindness in some people.
-
Don't miss these Health stories
-
Facebook is now fueling organ donations
Becky Melton’s “friend” request to Jerry Wilde, a complete stranger in dire need of a new kidney, came with a photo and a gift. The texted photo: a picture of Melton, 28, holding a hand-drawn sign showing two kidneys and a message -- “We’re a match!
- Why you should smile at strangers
- Grill, drive, play: Doc's tips for Memorial Day safety
- Cheating guys more likely to die of a heart attack
- German doctors apologize for Holocaust horrors
-
It's the first results from the use of embryonic stem cells in humans.
The research published online Monday in the journal Lancet involved two legally blind patients. They received an injection of cells derived from embryonic stem cells in one eye.
One had the "dry" form of age-related macular degeneration and the other had a rare disease that causes serious vision loss.
After four months, both did better on a standardized eye test.
The work was done by scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles and Advanced Cell Technology in Massachusetts. A third patient in London last week underwent a similar stem cell injection as part of the company's ongoing tests.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
“ ”