Master gene that can restore hearing loss
US scientists have discovered a single master gene that can retrieve hearing loss. Scientists weren’t able to reprogramme existing cells to develop into the outer and inner ear sensory cells — essential for hearing once they die. “Our finding gives us the first clear cell switch to make one type versus the other. It will provide a previously unavailable tool to make an inner or outer hair cell,” said lead author of the study Jaime Garcia-Anoveros from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, USA.