The momentum of science should help the blind learn to see

The earth is flat. That was a dogma. And it lasted until Copernicus revealed that the earth is actually a sphere. – Prof. Dr. Bernhard Sabel likes to use this comparison in his area of research: "Blind people can learn how to see – there is a widespread belief in the world of medicine, however, that blindness after a brain injury is irreversible" - something that the Director of the Magdeburg Institute for Medical Psychology experiences time and again. In recent times, however, levels of interest in his groundbreaking research results have slowly been on the rise. His research shows that the brain can compensate for damage to the optic nerve. The restoration of sight has been the subject of a research programme under the leadership of Bernhard Sabel in the Medical Faculty of the Otto-von-Guericke-University since 1992. A key focus is stimulation with alternating current and sight training. The recent cooperation relationships with China are developing at an especially intense level.

Fan Zhang from China doesn't have a lot of time to get to know her German professor. While unpacking her suitcase and settling into the guest house at the Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Sabel is getting his things together for a four week stay in China. Exactly one year ago in Peking he gave a series of lectures explaining how blindness is not necessarily irreversible after chronic damage to the optical nerve. Ever since, he has been a sought after cooperation partner in this area of research in the world of Chinese science and research. One of his scientific theories has now been translated into Chinese, having been published in a medical textbook.

During his stay in China, Sabel will be speaking at a range of conferences and is to be guest professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

In the internet, Fan Zhang found out about the groundbreaking research project in Magdeburg while completing her Masters degree in Neurosciences at the University of Glasgow. She had previously successfully completed a degree in computer sciences and a Masters in astrophysics at university in China. Her academic achievements proved decisive when the director of the Magdeburg institute decided to accept her application to study for a doctorate. "The computer plays a key role in our research. It simulates the brain activities. Before this, however, it is necessary to develop the software so that the computer understands what the human brain wants to say to it. The analysis of galaxies and brain cells shares common ground," explains Sabel. In this context, the director is confident that his young Chinese colleague has studied an ideal combination of subjects for the future of his institute. He is looking forward to working successfully with Fan Zhang in his international research team over the next three years.

For the time being, 30 year old Fan Zhang is studying sample analyses of 'brain activity during recovery from blindness.' Among her academic colleagues she makes herself understood with her perfect English. She has realised, however, that her English isn't so great in her life outside the university campus. Fan Zhang has chosen to remedy this, however, having already booked her place on a German course.

The graceful young woman disappears behind a pile of books which the professor has placed in front of her. Yet she radiates enthusiasm about receiving so much knowledge in book form about the plasticity of the brain. Normally, just ten percent of our possible brain performance is put to use, explains Professor Sabel. His research at the Institute for Medical Psychology is focusing on awakening and activating unused potential after brain injury.

Damage to the optical system is often the result of a stroke, a cranio-cerebral trauma or of damage to the optical nerve or the retina. Under the leadership of Professor Sable, a highly promising form of alternating current therapy has been developed. Using electrodes which are attached to the patient on corresponding parts of the skin, the patient receives electrical impulses. These stimulate other nerve cells in the brain and train them to compensate for their loss of sight.

What actually goes on in the brain after an injury is compared by Sabel with a set of major road works that interrupt the flow of traffic. "The traffic then has to find other ways of reaching its destination." Fan Zhang's tasks include using imaging procedures to map out how the different parts of the brain are linked with each other. According to Professor Sabel, this is something you have to know so that diversions on the information highway in the brain enable you to reach your destination.

Fan Zhand has chosen three especially heavy tomes, which she wants to study over the weeks to come. Wouldn't she rather go to China with her professor? Shaking her head she says no, explaining that she is more interested in her research work in Magdeburg right now. "China is booming economically," says Professor Sabel, before adding that "the young Chinese scientists are very open and interesting. They want to learn a lot and their country is supporting the exchange of knowledge, including with abroad."

And what is Sabel himself hoping from his trip to China? Ideally, openness to his research work, support and a lively exchange of views. But this isn't in doubt, he explains. His experiences in China have always been positive. He is just hoping for even more opportunities to turn his visions into reality.


Author/photographer: Kathrain Graubaum

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Bernhard Sabel
Institute of Medical Psychology
Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg
ph: +49 391 6721800
E-Mail: Bernhard.sabel.ignore@med.ovgu.de