Physorg.com -- University of Utah bioengineer Richard Rabbitt led two new studies that made a surprising discovery: an invisible wavelength of infrared light can make rat heart cells beat and cause toadfish inner-ear cells to send signals to the brain. The discovery points the way to possible development of implanted devices that can use infrared light instead of electric signals to help deaf people hear -- a new form of cochlear implant -- help blind people see and treat movement and balance disorders. Credit: Lee Siegel, University of Utah.
