《Science》刊文！复旦科学家通过脑机接口，使失明动物恢复视觉功能

Core Viewpoint - The latest research from Chinese scientists demonstrates that a new generation of visual prosthetics, utilizing brain-machine interface technology, not only restores visible light vision in blind animals but also expands their visual capabilities, offering new possibilities for restoring vision in blind patients [1][4]. Group 1: Research and Development - The research was conducted by a collaborative team from Fudan University and the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, with results published in the journal Science [2]. - The team developed the world's first visual prosthetic with a broad spectral coverage range (470-1550nm), enabling blind animal models to regain visible light vision and perceive infrared light, thus achieving "super vision" capabilities [4][5]. - The TeNWNs retinal prosthetic has the highest known photogenerated current density and the widest spectral coverage for visual reconstruction and expansion, spanning from visible light to near-infrared [5][8]. Group 2: Mechanism and Functionality - The TeNWNs prosthetic replaces degenerated photoreceptor cells in the retina, converting light signals into electrical signals, effectively activating surviving retinal neurons [8]. - The prosthetic is self-powered and does not require external devices, successfully allowing blind mice to perceive visible light [8][10]. - Experiments on non-human primate models showed no adverse rejection reactions after six months, laying a foundation for future clinical applications [10]. Group 3: Ethical Considerations and Future Directions - The dual characteristics of the prosthetic, combining "bionic restoration" and "functional expansion," avoid the risks associated with invasive brain surgeries while pushing the limits of human natural vision [10]. - Current medical ethics constraints prevent the research from entering clinical trial phases, but the technology holds promise for enabling blind individuals to experience vision and potentially surpass physiological limits [10]. - The research team aims to assist blind patients through both biological prosthetic materials and gene therapy, addressing different stages of blindness [11].