Core Insights - China holds over 60% of the global rare earth mineral production and has a near-monopoly in the rare earth processing sector, which is crucial for high-tech manufacturing and now for advancements in artificial retina technology [1] - Researchers have developed an artificial retina using tellurium, a mineral primarily sourced from China, which not only restored vision in blind animals but also granted them "super vision" to see infrared light, presenting significant hope for human blindness treatment [1][2] Group 1 - The artificial retina was created using tellurium nanowires, which were implanted in genetically blind mice and monkeys, restoring their vision and enabling them to detect "invisible" light [1][2] - Tellurium, a byproduct of copper refining, is rare and has excellent optoelectronic properties, making it suitable for applications in semiconductors, thermoelectric cooling, solar cells, and infrared detection [1] - The research team utilized chemical deposition techniques to create a network of 150-nanometer tellurium nanowires, which served as a retinal nanostructure, successfully restoring the pupillary reflex in blind mice and stimulating visual cortex activity [2] Group 2 - The implanted devices showed no complications, and the treated mice began to regain normal vision the day after surgery, demonstrating enhanced performance in pattern recognition and light source localization compared to untreated blind mice [2] - The tellurium nanowire implants were also tested in normal monkeys, where they increased sensitivity to near-infrared light, confirming the safety and biocompatibility of the implants [2] - The method developed by researchers has the potential to create a new generation of devices that convert light into neural stimulation signals, aiding many blind individuals in regaining limited but useful vision [3]