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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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In Touch: Stem cell surgery for AMD, Paralympians, Short stories for blind teens.

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29/09/2015

Stem cell surgery for AMD, Paralympians, Short stories for blind teens.

BBC Radio 4 - In Touch, Stem cell surgery for AMD, Paralympians, Short stories for blind teens.

The reality of using stem cell surgery to treat age-related macular degeneration.

The use of stem cell surgery to treat age-related macular degeneration, plus visually impaired Paralympians' hopes for Rio, and blind teenagers review short stories.

The first operation in a trial using stem cells from a human embryo aimed at restoring sight. It's hoped that by replacing damaged cells of patients with macular disease - which is the greatest cause of blindness amongst older people - the condition can be reversed. Cathy Yelf, Chief Executive, the Macular Society talks to Peter White about the reality behind the headlines, who might benefit and when.

The likely success of visually impaired teams and athletes in the forthcoming Rio Paralympics. We reflect concern that a number of retirements, a shortage of investment and the challenge of involving young people in sport at mainstream schools is causing a drop in performance.

Visually impaired teenagers are invited to "shadow review" authors competing for the BBC's short story competition. They also talk about authors they like and new methods of reading made possible by technological developments.

Producer: Tom Walker.

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