Cells from eyes of dead 'may give sight to blind'

Tests in rats, reported in Stem Cells Translational Medicine, showed the human cells could restore some vision to completely blind rats.

The team at University College London said similar results in humans would improve quality of life, but would not give enough vision to read. Human trials should begin within three years. Donated corneas are already used to improve some people's sight, but the team at the Institute for Ophthalmology, at UCL, extracted a special kind of cell from the back of the eye. These Muller glia cells are a type of adult stem cell capable of transforming into the specialised cells in the back of the eye and may be useful for treating a wide range of sight disorders. Continue reading the main story “Start Quote This interesting study shows that Muller glial cells are another viable avenue of exploration for cell therapy in retinal diseases” Dr Paul Colville-Nash Medical Research Council In the laboratory, these cells were chemically charmed into becoming rod cells which detect light in the retina.

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Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom elects Paramount Chief

Having been elected Paramount Chief of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, Porto Loko District, on the 21st January 2010, Paramount Chief Shebora Sheba Gbereh has formally been inaugurated as Paramount Chief of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom after going through the traditional “Kantha” ceremony. Hundreds of dignitaries, government officials, Paramount chiefs and local people witnessed the coronation ceremony which officially took place under a big traditional cotton tree at Yongoro Town in Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom. Giving the key note address in another ceremony organized after the official Coronation Ceremony Paramount chief Bai Shebora Sheba Gbereh lll thanked God Almighty, his ancestors and his people for his position.

Sierra Rutile Ltd Confirms Death of Young Man In Dredge Pone

Sierra Rutile Ltd. has informed the public in a statement made public that the body of a young man was discovered in an obsolete dredge pond near Moriba Town on the morning of 25 January 2014. “It is with great regret that Sierra Rutile Ltd learned that a young man’s body was discovered in an obsolete dredge pond near Moriba Town on the morning of 25 January 2014. Full details are yet to be confirmed and Sierra Rutile is working with the police and coroner to investigate the death,” the report states. According to reports, villagers alleging one of their members was killed by security personnel employed by the company stormed it quarters, attacked security personnel and vandalized property belonging to the company. The Sierra Rutile report also states “A small group of people used the incident to create a disturbance around the mine and in surrounding villages. The mining communities Paramount Chiefs, police and other community leaders have worked with Sierra Rutile’s management...

Youths Advised Against Illegal Drugs

By Alusine Sesay Reverend Mohamed Kamara of the Wesleyan Church has advised young people to be mindful of the dangers of cigarette smoking and use of illegal drugs. Rev. Kamara made this call during a LIVESTRONG sensitization programme at Old Railway Line, Wellington on Friday. The occasion attracted young and old people in the community including the tribal head, Yabom Poro. Reverend Kamara, who was Chairman of the occasion, said many young people in Sierra Leone are at risk of exposing themselves to ill health especially cancer, if steps are not taken to seriously inform them about the dangers of cigarette smoking and exposure to illegal drugs. He said the action by the organization, Rowaca Cancer Group, to reach out to the grassroots is a welcome move as educating poor and vulnerable people about cancer will save lives in the community. He said he accepted the offer to be chairman of the occasion because he has faith in the team leader and the drive the organization is taking. “I...

Rowaka Cancer Group - Sierra Leone

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