New science lets children hear - 18th March 2024

Scientists are helping deaf children to hear. They used gene therapy with 6 deaf children. Now, 5 of the children can hear for the first time.

Scientists from the US and China worked together. The children were from one to seven years old.

These children had a problem with the gene OTOF. This gene makes special proteins. These proteins link the ear with the brain.

The scientists used gene therapy. This changes some DNA. The scientists send new DNA in a virus. But the OTOF gene is too big for one virus.

Scientists had to use two viruses. They put half of the DNA in each virus.

The healthy DNA started working in the ear. It started making the special proteins. After 26 weeks, five children could hear better.

1.6 billion people can't hear well. This therapy can help 200,000 people without the OTOF gene.