Death halts circulatory, respiratory, and brain functions, limiting the viability of central nervous system tissues for transplantation. However, groundbreaking research on the retina reveals rapid neuronal decline postmortem, yet also identifies conditions for potential revival. Even after death, human macular photoreceptors retain light responsiveness, challenging notions of irreversible neuronal death and offering insights for visual rehabilitation.

SALT LAKE CITY — A team of researchers at the University of Utah's John A. Moran Eye Center have succeeded in reviving neurons and communication in human donor eyes, which they said could transform brain and vision research.