Bionic eye mounted world premiere British pensioners

While the use of special video glasses Flynn can even see pictures of the eyes of Paul Cooper

A British pensioner, the first person has equipped in the world with a bionic eye to a historic process, of hope for hundreds of thousands of people the most common form of blindness fix.

Is Ray Flynn, 80, failed, associated with faces like macular degeneration with age (AMD) eight years ago a devastating disease, 500,000 people has been developed in the UK, acts to make.

But in June, it was with an electrical implant, a video stream transmits directly to intact cells in the retina of a small camera glasses are attached, respectively.

Mr. Flynn This means not only the faces of your family recognize and television with more details, but if you wear special glasses video, you can even see his eyes closed.

And he is the first person in the world that has both artificial and natural the combined vision.

"Now I can really see my brother's face," said the retired engineer Manchester.

"And watching Manchester United on TV is simple. I have central vision now I have not for eight years.

"Your eyes are the most precious. My brain is still trying to catch up and find out what's going on, but they said they will continue to improve."

There is currently no treatment for advanced AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in the United Kingdom with patients lose their ability to see in the middle of the field, making it difficult to read and recognize faces.

The bionic eye has been used successfully for people with retinitis pigmentosa state, but Paulo Stanga Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital wanted to know if it would work for people with AMD.

Interactive: Two glasses

Mr. Flynn was fitted with the implant during the proceedings on June 16, and the system was activated on 1 July.

At once he was able to make the outlines of people and objects, even with eyes closed and Mr. Stanga hopes his vision will continue to improve.

"Flynn progress is truly remarkable," Stanga said. "It's the outlines of people and objects very effective.

"The dry form of AMD is a common, but not curable. In the Western world, is the most common cause of vision loss. Unfortunately, with an aging population, it is becoming more common.

"This technology is revolutionary and change the patient's life - to restore some functional vision and help them to live more independently.

"As for me, the first test results are a success, and I hope to treat more patients with dry AMD."

Implant functions by the patient mounted on glasses, the video images captured by a miniature camera in a series of short electrical pulses which are transferred to the surface of the retina wirelessly to the electrodes.

^{The implant is currently available on the NHS. (Alamy)}

These pulses stimulate the remaining retinal cells resulting pattern corresponding light perception in the brain. Patients learn to interpret these visual patterns to restore vision.

Cathy Yelf, CEO of macular company said: "This result is interesting, track the progress of these studies with great interest.

"Macular degeneration can be a devastating disease and many people are now concerned because we are living longer. This is the first test, but in the time of this research can be a very useful device for people who lead to lose their vision Central. We wish Prof Stanga well in their work. "

Called the Argus II implant Fund was created by Second Sight Medical Products, and are not available on the NHS. But Mr. Stanga believes that if the tests continue to be a success, will finally be in health care.

Cosendai Gregory, Vice President Europe for Second Sight Medical Products, said: "This is completely innovative research.

"This study aims to determine whether the maintenance of peripheral vision in dry AMD patients with severe vision loss - functionally blind patients - from the machine vision in their central visual field with its nature remaining peripheral vision and benefit.

The bionic eye, could cure blindness: World British scientists save the vision of people 80 years of age, in incredible breakthrough that could help thousands

• Ray Flynn received artificial retinal degeneration dry age-related macular
• The 80-year-old is the first person to treatment that will help thousands could
• Surgeons implanted chips on the back of the eye in step 4 hours in the last month
• Retired factory supervisor can now make shapes with their eyes closed

By Ben Spencer, medical correspondent for the Daily Mail

Published on: 21 July 2015 19.34 clock | Updated: 8:42, July 22, 2015

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Ray Flynn, 80, (pictured) from Audenshaw, Manchester, the first patient in the world to receive an artificial retinal degeneration associated with dry macular Ages

A revolutionary bionic eye implant has restored the sight of a British man.

Ray Flynn, 80, from Audenshaw, Manchester, the first patient in the world to an artificial retina for dry macular degeneration with age (AMD) is assigned to get the most common cause of vision problems in the UK was.

Hundreds of thousands of people who could the misery of the technology that has been used only for those with a rare eye disease benefit.

Surgeons at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital implanted a chip in the back of the eye Flynn on a four-hour procedure in the past month.

The supervisor of the system can now retired make shapes with their eyes closed - proof that the system works.

Since AMD was eight years ago with the vision of Mr Flynn diagnosed gradually deteriorated until he see clearly in the corner of his eye.

Now the £ 80,000 procedure has restored their central vision, allowing you to read a newspaper without a magnifying glass for the first time in years.

Surgeons now the Argus II retinal implant more patients place in the coming months to prove it will work for a variety of patients. They hope that eventually the system will be available on the NHS.

Macular degeneration affects 500,000 people in the UK, 85 percent of them with the dry form of the disease. It occurs when cells damaged in the center of the retina, leading to loss of central vision.

The bionic system works by transmitting video images from a camera for special glasses, into electrical impulses that are read by the brain captured.

Electronic signals are transmitted through a network of electrodes attached to the damaged cells in the back of the retina.

The impulses stimulate the remaining cells of the retina, whereby corresponding patterns of the light perception in the brain.

Patients learn to interpret these visual patterns in order to recover some of the visual function.

Professor Paulo stagnation (right) of the Fund for the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research at the Hospital of the University of Manchester, Checks (left) eye Flynn

Excreted The plant supervisor (left with Professor Paulo stagnation and right) can now make shapes with their eyes closed - proof that the system works,

Mr. Flynn said that makes it easy while you get used to the system, but. Already in your daily life

He said: "Before, when I looked at a plant in the garden, which go like a honeycomb in the center of the eye, which is gone now I can now through the garden and see what was ..."

Turned on your system for the first time on July 1, and the evidence showed that he could do the outlines of people and objects, even with your eyes closed.

Professor Paulo Stanga, ophthalmologist consultant at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, said: "Mr Flynn progression is truly remarkable, he sees the outlines of people and objects very well ..

"Ray, had everything to do with his peripheral vision - is very tiring, it's exhausting.

"This new information the brain of Ray and his brain has to get used to interpret them now."

£ 80,000 procedure restored their central vision, allowing you to read a newspaper without a magnifying glass for the first time in years

Mr. Flynn said that makes it easy while you get used to the system, but already in your daily life

The Argus II retinal implant has been used in 130 patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare eye disease. However, the patient, in contrast to Mr. Flynn, had no peripheral vision.

The new system is believed to be the first in the world to natural and artificial vision, electronic images in the eye center to combine forces with natural images of survivors peripheral retinal cells.

Professor Stanga said he expected that the developed by the US company Second Sight Medical Products system could be used for patients with other vision problems.

But he said, scientists have not yet worked out how to use it for patients who are blind from birth, as these patients have never learned how to deal with the electrical impulses from the eyes.

 

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A British pensioner has the first will receive a bionic eye

Raymond Flynn with his "bionic eye" (Photo: AP)

A British pensioner has become the first person in the world, "bionic eye" with a, with which you can see through the combination of natural and artificial vision are fitted.

Raymond Flynn, 80, had not succeeded, eyes straight ahead in the middle to see until they equipped with the device, which uses a mini-camera on glasses to send wireless signals receptors in their retina mounted.

Electrical impulses are then sent to the brain that turns into shapes for mixing your peripheral vision with digital information and described by Mr Flynn.

"The Flynn progress is truly remarkable. He sees the outlines of people and objects very effective," says Professor Paulo Stanga, a surgeon at the Royal Manchester Eye Hospital.

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"As for me, the first test results are a success, and I look forward to treat more patients."

Similar bionic eyes "to see." A small number of patients, the eyes have completely lost that uses projects as

(Photo: Metro Graphic / PA)

But the doctors say that the latest development may change the lives of some 25 million people around the world, as Mr. Flynn suffered partial loss of vision through macular degeneration (AMD) causes a disease of the retina.

Scientists say they are confident that the bionic eye, as Argus II is known to work with natural vision Flynn, because the evidence showed that it is able to "see" with the device, even if the eyes are closed.

Mr Flynn, from Audenshaw, Manchester, began to lose his eyes eight years after the publication of the "dry" form of AMD that is diagnosed in approximately 44,000

Britons each year and is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world.

The Minister biosciences, George Freeman, welcomed the study.

He added: "This groundbreaking research highlights the crucial role of the NHS as a test environment for the medicine of the 21st century".

Surgeons now hope to continue the process, responsible for hospital care and Second Sight Medical Products Inc., with four other patients.

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C'mon Man: Chandler masterpiece of nature

Chris Chandler, the one of the trees, where he used his natural formation in order to create a work of art. (Photos of Xtra-vision photography.)

OTHER THINGS

With natural rock formations as a guide for their painted sculptures, Chris Chandler can be huge.

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Chandler, who began the introduction to the art 25 years ago, is responsible for Parris Hill, San Jose sculpture and works in a similar way to his residence at Friendly Hall, St Thomas.

The project, which he called Saga Gully is just that - an adventure that began many years ago.

Chandler, who spoke lovingly of his painted sculptures, they said a special item that the murals has had.

He is particularly proud of Parris Hill, said he had no enemies in a natural rock formation of this magnitude. In addition, there were many local, regional or international painted sculptures, he said.

Therefore wants to Barbados, more attention to the very interesting story carved into the rock to pay themselves.

A similar story Saga Gully formed. Chandler used the canyon on the grounds of his family, an attraction where children, locals and tourists can visit and see how nature can create a beautiful work of art.

He said that the final product would be a large painted sculptures, painted trees, a bridge that goes beyond the spring and is. The project began more than 20 years ago as Chandler began removing the ravine by hand, but he took a break because he lived abroad for several years. So far, the sculpture was full of a government initiative, but Chandler said he is waiting for sponsorship to complete.

The main feature consists of several parts, including a lion, a snake that crosses the whole of the sculpture, the finger of an arbitrator, the pulpit, a man's face, the noise and 13 stages. The lion and snake symbolize good and evil, and in the middle is the pulpit. However, Chandler said the work was finally interpretation.

After completion Saga Gully will be available for visits by children. He plans an essay contest are for children to develop their stories of how they interpret art. "I want to see what can be history."

There is a spring that runs down the canyon during the rainy season to a raging river, he said. One of the tunnels 11 water system feeding the local water supply is also on the property and is also included in the exhibition because of its educational value. "The Water Channel Tunnel Flood and fills the aquifer station Belle".

Chandler, of his art with recycled foam, wood, glass, metal, cardboard and marble began is self-taught.

"Art is always in my blood, and because in the printing industry, where I trained, I would like to see people throwing things, and I said. 'Hey, I can use this" I do not want to lose a small child. People were things and Chris Weir market after throwing things, "he said.

It was recently charged with forming a wall of honor María user Diabetes Center for the Caribbean. It has the form of a solid axis of the Earth and is named after the sponsors of the center.

Chandler has organized in recent years exhibitions. One of his most popular works is, of course, the Parris Hill Sculpture, which was completed 15 years ago.

He said the project was initiated by the people in the community who made the sculpture and painting. However, he said, although he did not really "see" for quite some time, many people were or taken the time to "feel their energy."

It consists of six individual sculptures, each with a name and a story. The Lion and the Mouse confrontation are a continuation of Aesop's Fables, "which has a lesson for the people of the land that never too small to have an impact and help and no matter the size, are needing help others. It is also a story of kindness and forgiveness ".

Other aspects are a Taurus, Aquarius and a giraffe. There is also a procession, the 15 life-size animals, a cricket match play based on the winds of the song cricket has in the jungle. The final piece is the procession is incomplete.

Chandler says instead of driving slowly, people have to park and get out and explore the intricacies of working Parris Hill.

It should also develop art in other communities, with government help.

"It is in communities and what areas will be carried out for improvement with waste," he said: "The communities could take on similar projects; .. Should not be a cliff, but it can be an open space"

Harvard Business School report promotes oudated EnergieVision

It was such good news about business for renewable energy, which almost did not give it a second thought when a report from the Harvard Business School named

"Unconventional Energy Opportunity in America '

He landed on my desk. Subtitle

"A win-win plan for economic, environmental and low-carbon, clean energy future"

I think I had a plan to transform our energy towards renewables such as wind and solar resources. States grow RES: New York just to achieve its roadmap to 50 percent renewable energy by 2030, focusing on the distributed generation of renewable energy and lead author of the report is resources.The HBS professor Michael Porter. It's not only a world-renowned authority on competitive strategy, also she works tirelessly in just causes. He created the

"Index of social progress, to look beyond GDP to social and environmental factors."

Porter co-founder and FSG Social Impact Advisors and co-developed his theory of "shared value" to non-profit organizations that help to create with business, social values. (Full disclosure:. I am a graduate of the HBS and met with Porter and FSG) therefore disappointing to read is

"Alternative Energy"

the authors mean

"... The resources of gas and oil shale accessible ... and by the process of hydraulic fracturing is removed."

Porter and colleagues at BCG HBS and business consultant explains his motivation:

Gas resources and unconventional oil are perhaps the greatest opportunity to improve the trajectory of the US economy, at a time when the prospects for the average American are lower than we have seen in generations. New America plenty of energy can not be done only to restore the competitiveness of the United States, but also geopolitical advantages for the United States. These advantages can, while the local environmental impact considerably reduced and speeds up the transition to a clean energy future that is convenient and affordable to achieve.

His solution is to convert energy from coal and oil to and when the plants reach the end of their natural life natural gas, we are going to replace natural gas with renewable energy. In the meantime, we will produce our economic supremacy through the export of cheap natural gas, while reducing carbon emissions and energy costs. In 2060 we want to generate zero carbon emissions from energy production.

It is not easy to sell. The first problem is the cost. For the development of our natural gas resources $ 900 billion more investment in infrastructure, including the new interstate pipelines, storage facilities, rail, sea and road improvements, the collection and treatment infrastructure and export terminals will require. In other words, we still have more to spend for the transition to natural gas, as we will convert to renewable energy, the report estimates that $ 750 billion. Ultimately Porter plan, we would with what the infrastructure fracturing are waste and decaying glued. Why not that money in renewable energy infrastructure from now?

The report also calls for spending on training for better paying jobs in the natural gas. Also, why not spend money on training in renewable energy, rather than to recycle a worker? The argument of the economic competitiveness of Porter - we'll see if we push GDP increases the production of natural gas. You can not export from the solar wind, and how to generate gas, and ours is by far the cheapest in the world.

Many of the report's recommendations are as one of the producers of fossil fuels dream: In addition to some positive suggestions on how to increase imposing rules and transparency, also calls for an end to the "outdated" restrictions on the export of oil and gas industry in promoting respect for the implementation of self-driven industry, even after a few industry players have been systematically corrupted.

Overall, the plan contains some positive elements that should not be overlooked. First, from coal to natural gas could be about a quarter of the responsibility for the reduction of carbon dioxide by 15 percent between 2005 and 2013. It may be the only way, a certain level of EPA to achieve Clean Power and eliminate coal-fired plants. Produce (THG) only half of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (methane side), natural gas, as Porter et al say,

"A key factor in the energy policy of America to the possible time and at competitive costs through a series of carbon reduction scenarios, at least until 2030."

And that the transition is much faster than the opinion leaders in the sector of fossil fuels such as Shell.

As I discussed in a blog for CSRHub, the latest report from future scenarios Shell calls for a transition to renewable energy by 2100. Porter accepts amendments for renewables requires 20-30 years have, what to 2035-45 grid, points at which renewables cost competitive as natural gas and will be completely removed from the production of electricity before 2060 works from the 2100 Shell forecasts that looks good back.

We are all tempted to point the finger at a policy recommendation refer to the introduction of an emission-free future delay while the strengthening of fossil fuels and utilities. Not as usual? Maybe, but at least in this calendar is much faster than the oil industry. The report acknowledges that if the Porter wind and solar prices continue to fall below the price of oil and gas, as they have in places like Austin, Texas, the company will drive a faster transition. It's all about money, and in this case it could be a very good thing.

Editorial: clear vision

Growth and rural development in Lawrence and Douglas County have long called for a comprehensive plan Horizon 2020 are derived Unfortunately the vision of what the community is and Lawrence Douglas County is still unclear was 20/20.

That could change if the inhabitants of the region to participate in an ongoing process to create a vision statement for our community.

A steering committee of the city-county study ways to update 2020 has received in force since 1990. One area that due attention has been, the fact that contains our general plan is not a true statement vision of what we want to make our community.

An updated plan, has to have a mission statement, because Laurent leaders certainly benefited from working with a common goal. Understand that this goal should be required to have a conversation at Community level and openness to a variety of ideas.

The Steering Committee has prepared a draft report, which includes an explanation of the proposed vision. It reads: "The City of Lawrence and rural Douglas County is one of the most desirable locations in the United States call a well-educated single state with a free spirit at home, community diverse, publicly and boldly innovative are required .. We thrive, with full employment and a wide tax base. Our development is a human scale and our vibrant neighborhoods are habitable, allowing people to age instead. We have a lot of options for safe, efficient transportation, such as cycling, walking and public transport. The historical and bustling city center of the city attracts residents and visitors to trade and cultural arts. Our price-performance ratio of citizens to preserve and improve the natural environment for our joy and generations future. The proximity of the agricultural and rural countryside to the city offers beauty and relaxation, and enjoy the economic and health benefits of a robust local cuisine. We Lawrence and rural Douglas County is a place where creativity is growing sustainability is a way of life and community pride is contagious. "

There are many important ideas in this statement, but it's not exactly the kind of concise objective is likely to remain high on the minds of the leaders and residents of the community, as we work to build our future.

It would be interesting, a whole community conversation about what Lawrence and Douglas County may have to be the best in. There are a variety of ways. Maybe we can to be the capital of education in the Great Plains. Perhaps we want the healthiest city in America. Residents probably many ideas about what we could focus and Excel. If we manage to reach a consensus on a common goal, we can at the five or six major initiatives, which we believe would lead us to that goal to reach.

The draft vision statement by the Steering Committee could certainly serve as a good starting point for talks. For example, the Vision Statement label us as a community that "innovative impudence." What were we boldly innovative in the past? How boldly claim to be innovative in the future? Is what we expect the results of our innovation be?

The Steering Committee is responsible for the work she has done, to update, 2020 and recognized the need for a vision of the church to be praised. With a common goal of working in the years to come Lawrence and Douglas County could be an even better place than it is today.

We urge church leaders to do anything to a process that create a community conversation that allows produces a variety of clear, bright and bold ideas for the future.

Copyright 2015, the Lawrence Journal-World. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. We strive to keep our values published for each item.

Creating a vision of a community

Communities without road access or in attracting business and industry important to have other ways to find a destination port.

Somersworth, NH, and Berwick, Maine back face similar challenges, including the lack of access, the loss of a major employer or industry.

The towns sit on opposite sides of the Salmon River Falls, are in solutions.

In 2008 Somersworth examined how to become a target. Mayor Dana Hilliard, a city council in 2008 took part in the beginning of Vision 2020th

"The original bill, introduced by me, Todd Marsh and current Council Jonathan McCallion was to develop a coherent approach to Somersworth fate of the city in 2020," Hilliard said. "To start drawing first a viable vision for this community."

After Hilliard, there were some strengths and some very low points, if the committee had broken; but most have been achieved.

The first goal was to make the city center on foot, living dynamic focal point and an opportunity for a different activity.

Other objectives include the desire to build a sustainable community to actively manage growth, to preserve and protect open space and offer a variety of housing options in terms of natural and cultural heritage of the city.

Sean Collins, Director Somersworth and Vision 2020 Chairman of the Committee, after a series of goals achieved, it still has to help a role in promoting the city, to play has become a target.

"We are the promoters of the city organizations such as the Association of Somersworth Festival, both show educates and diversity of the city. It is an excellent example of something that can help the committee," said Collins.

Collins, he said, with groups in a more effective way to limit the scope of what they can achieve, will work to increase.

"We can now work with Somersworth, a blog of Jenne Holmes and Somersworth, a Facebook page of René Philpott and farmers markets, the Parade Committee, the Lions Club and the Boy Scouts run," said Collins. "We have a list of about 40 different organizations and bodies of the city, that would be candidates for the promotion of the city."

Other plans include community surveys and brochures that show "what good Somersworth" brokers that give a potential buyer.

David Sharples, Director Planning and Community Development, said there were only minor changes in the zoning necessary to accommodate the objectives of Vision 2020.

"We reviewed the historical center of the factory, because we wanted to do something less restrictive" Sharples said. "We wanted to develop the city and let a couple of applications that have been averted."

Sharples said the business district is very flexible. No minimum requirements facade, no density requirements, no minimum lot area. The only limitation is the true parking.

"If you provide parking available, you can build," Sharples said.

Berwick, Maine

Berwick, Maine, visualization process increasingly oriented to a large industrial plant in the city center, the former tan.

After Berwick city planner John Stoll, began with a committee of the vision of the city center. Now Envision Berwick is a "committee of the full implementation and planning" and serves a large number of smaller local residents and citizens committees, hiking, art and sustainability.

"In autumn 2012, resident Frank Underwood for $ 30,000 a study of the city. City funds and urban design begged selected gates Leighton Associates Consultants approved result" Stoll said.

"They came and a committee of citizens organized and made several cars. It took about a year to do it. The concept that every plan agreed on 40 percent green space."

How Somersworth, he decided to focus on accessibility, sustainability and preservation of open space.

The site of the former tannery development would around the outside, green interior and a path through the middle.

"It would have to be connected by the cascade of an existing path from the police station," said Stoll. "You have an urban route downtown."

The property is a brownfield EPA tannery, which means there may be contaminants. The city received $ 600,000 from the EPA to help clean the three trading centers.

Stoll said the real work can begin until fiscal year the federal government begins in October. We are currently working on the tender, a qualified environmental professional to monitor the project environment to rent. Stoll said things will probably begin to take place in spring.

"There was a massive public participation, including a survey to all households in the city, which has sent collected about 600 responses," said Stoll. "Most people want to relax, traveling on foot."

Berwick, there were a number of changes in construction contracts, including the obligation to the parking lot behind the buildings.

"We have made what we have to create a sense of belonging, to make it a place that people want to live and maybe companies will continue to play."

The two communities have online information about their viewing planes. Berwick Envison http://bit.ly/1HEH9Oe and Vision 2020 http://www.somersworth.com/agenda-and-minutes/vision-2020/