China’s scientists use tellurium to restore vision in mice, let monkeys see infrared

Chinese scientists developed an artificial retina implant using tellurium nanowires, potentially restoring and enhancing vision. Tested successfully on blind mice and monkeys, it restored sight and enabled infrared vision in sighted monkeys. Tellurium's photoelectric properties mimic natural photoreceptors, converting light into electrical signals. This breakthrough could lead to bionic eyes with enhanced capabilities, though human testing is pending. The technology has implications for medicine, military applications, and human enhancement.