http://www.syndicatemizzou.org Thu, 24 May 2012 05:52:59 GMT en-us 40 Center for eResearch Connecting you with the University of Missouri’s innovative research and creative activity http://www.syndicatemizzou.org/images/logo.png 384 80 http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/narfstrom/ipod/Narfstrom02.m4v Education http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/narfstrom/ipod/Narfstrom02.m4v Narfström is interested in the hereditary blindness that originates in human photoreceptor cells. She studies dogs and cats that contract blinding conditions similar to those found in human beings. 3 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:15:54 GMT http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/narfstrom/ipod/Narfstrom03.m4v Education http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/narfstrom/ipod/Narfstrom03.m4v Because it is not possible to ask cats and dogs about the severity of their blindness, Narfström describes other ways to assess an animal’s vision, including behavioral studies. 3 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:15:32 GMT http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/narfstrom/ipod/Narfstrom05.m4v Education http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/narfstrom/ipod/Narfstrom05.m4v Narfström discusses various treatment measures for blindness. The prevention of photoreceptor death, she says, can be treated with different proteins and vitamins, or new cells may be inserted in the retina to replace the dying cells. 3 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:15:10 GMT http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/narfstrom/ipod/Narfstrom06.m4v Education http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/narfstrom/ipod/Narfstrom06.m4v Another treatment involves inserting a small microchip to replace the dead photoreceptors and get the electrical juices of the eye flowing. This device, known as an Artificial Silicon Retina (ASR), is conceptually similar to a bionic eye. The ASR was designed more than 15 years ago to enhance human vision. Narfström hopes that her research will improve the chip. 3 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:14:44 GMT http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/narfstrom/ipod/Narfstrom08.m4v Education http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/narfstrom/ipod/Narfstrom08.m4v Narfström teaches mostly post-graduate students at MU, and she gives lectures around the world about her research. “It’s very rewarding to be a teacher and a researcher at the same time,” she says. When in the classroom, Narfström tries to pass along her excitement for research to her students, “because that is the only way to advance our knowledge.” 3 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:13:55 GMT http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/narfstrom/ipod/Narfstrom07.m4v Education http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/narfstrom/ipod/Narfstrom07.m4v Genetic transfer can be used to replace dead photoreceptor cells. Narfström employs this method to correct protein defects in the eyes. The procedure involves injecting a construct - a vehicle that brings the protein the correct DNA - into the retina cell. The construct is then transported into the nucleus, where it is translated to make the correct protein. 3 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:14:20 GMT