Despite the vast promise of the genetic revolution in medicine, the fact remains that the hype has far outpaced the reality. …
gene therapy
A treatment for blindness reveals the incredible plasticity of the brain
Recently doctors began gene-therapy trials to treat Leber’s congenital amaurosis, a common cause of blindness in babies and children. Now, a group of doctors reports that they’ve found an unexpected benefit of the gene therapy. After treatment, vision may continue to improve with time — because the brain can re-wire itself to better …