Nanowires replace lost retinal cells (Perspective on Wang et al. 2025)

Citation: Fernández E. “Nanowires replace lost retinal cells.” Science 388(6751): 1025–1026 (5 June 2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.ady4439. PMID: 40472112.

Note on capture: Perspective full text gated; record captures the publicly served abstract and reference list (accessed 2026-09-14).

Abstract

Diseases caused by retinal degeneration are major causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide [1]. These disorders are characterized by the progressive loss of photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. However, the other neurons in the retina, including bipolar, amacrine, horizontal, and retinal ganglion cells, often remain largely functional, preserving the connection to the visual cortex via the optic nerve. Retinal prostheses aim to provide a useful visual sense by artificially stimulating these surviving retinal neurons [2], but most systems face challenges that include a need for an external power supply and limited stimulation of retinal neurons. On page 1041 of this issue, Wang et al. [3] present a retinal prosthesis composed of tellurium nanowire networks (TeNWNs), which addresses some of these limitations while also responding to a broader range of the electromagnetic spectrum than rods and cones.

Correction note (Science, published 12 June 2025)

“The text was revised before online publication to indicate that a subretinal photovoltaic implant based on different technology to that used by Wang et al. is being tested in clinical trials; however, due to time constraints, this change did not get incorporated into the print version. The amended text is as follows: ‘Furthermore, a promising subretinal photovoltaic implant approach is already being tested in clinical trials in patients with age-related macular degeneration (10). Wang et al. introduce a different approach—using TeNWNs to build a subretinal prosthesis for the conversion of incident light into efficient photocurrents.’”

References (as captured)

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