(PRWEB UK) 19 February 2013
Researchers at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago, have developed a tiny genetic patch which can be used to prevent a form of deafness that runs in families, reports the BBC.
Usher Syndrome causes defective sections in a genetic code and causes problems with hearing, sight and balance. In many types of Ushers Syndrome, hearing loss is tied to different errors in the patients DNA. When they try to build a protein called harmonin, which is needed to form the tiny hairs in the ears that detect sound, it does not finish the job.
The study was published in Journal Nature Medicine and showed that some defects can be corrected in mice to restore some hearing. They designed a small strip of genetic material which attaches to the mutation and keeps the body building the protein. Mice with Usher Syndrome were injected with the genetic patch and grew up being able to hear and had no balance problems.
More research is needed to understand how the new therapy could be used in humans.
A spokesperson from Hidden Hearing said:
It is exciting to hear of more developments in the treatment for different types of hearing loss. Scientists have been making great progress and hopefully it wont be too long before some of these treatments are available for humans.
With more than 40 years experience in treating hearing loss, Hidden Hearing is entrusted with the care of more than 100,000 people each year. The firm has 84 hearing centres across the UK, all catering for a range of needs and budgets. Specialising in hearing tests and hearing aids, the company also offer a variety of hearing aid accessories and in 2005, became the first dedicated hearing retailer to be recognised as an Investor in People.
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