Hearing Chemical Discovered
Scientists at Northwestern University in Chicago have recently made
what may be a fundamental breakthrough in understanding and treating
hearing loss. They have found the chemical that permits human hair cells
to amplify signals by rapidly and dramatically changing shape. There are
several implications of this discovery:
1. It is possible that some forms of genetic deafness are related to
this chemical.
2. It is possible that understanding the role of this chemical may
lead to a treatment for tinnitus. Some researchers believe that tinnitus
is caused, at least in part, by something gone wrong with this
newly-discovered chemical.
3. Not directly related to hearing, but of more general interest is
the fact that this chemical facilitates the transformation of electrical
impulses into movements. This capability could lead to the development
of tiny biological pumps, signalers, or other devices that may become
important in the emerging field of nanotechnology. While other
biological cells also convert electrical impulses to motion (e.g.
muscles), these cells are unique in that they perform this action
without requiring an external source of energy.
