Past Contest Entries

I Can See Again

Provide names of other journalists involved.

Pamela Bond

List date(s) this work was published or aired.

Nov. 23, 2012

Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.

A study in blind mice showed that implanting photoreceptor cells restored their vision, a breakthrough in curing degenerative eye diseases.

Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?

Research by University College London Institute of Ophthalmology team published in the medical journal Nature on April 19, 2012.

Explain types of human sources used.

Biomedical scientists were consulted on the scientific process of sight degeneration and implanting photoreceptors.

Results:

Some listeners contacted us to ask when the treatment would be available for them!

Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.

No. While the study has now entered human clinical trials, so far the data does not contradict what we used in the episode.

Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.

Remember to highlight to biggest benefit to the average listener first, then break down the science in an understandable and relatable way.

Place:

No Award

Year:

  • 2012

Category:

  • Consumer/Feature (large)

Affiliation:

Radio stations – 115 total in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, London, and Zambia.

Reporter:

Christina Yao Lee; Dr. David Niesel; Dr. Norbert Herzog

Links: