Biomed Radio - Washington University School Of Medicine In St. Louis

The retina’s rods and cones allow us to see. But although scientists have an idea of what makes rods perform and flourish, they’ve been in the dark somewhat about what keeps cones working and thriving. Now, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis believe they’re closer to the answer and that their findings may one day help preserve vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration and other retinal diseases. CELLS IN OUR EYES CALLED RODS AND CONES ALLOW US TO SEE. THE RODS ARE FOR DIM LIGHT, WHILE CONES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MOST OF WHAT WE THINK OF AS VISION, LIKE THE ABILITY TO SEE IN BRIGHT LIGHT AND TO SEE COLORS. NOW, A TEAM OF WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS HAS FOUND THAT A FORM OF CELLULAR RECYCLING IS NECESSARY FOR MAINTAINING CONE CELLS, AND THEY BELIEVE THE RECYLCING PATHWAY COULD PROVIDE A TARGET FOR TREATING SOME BLINDING RETINAL DISEASES. JIM DRYDEN HAS THE STORY… ALTHOUGH CONE CELLS ONLY MAKE UP ONLY BETWEEN 1 AND 3 PERCENT OF OUR PHOTORECEPTORS, THEY’RE