United Press International, Newstrack - Science, Feb. 28, 2007 ANN ARBOR, Mich. (UPI) - U.S. scientists say they have achieved the world's first direct electrical link between nerve cells and photovoltaic nanoparticle films. Researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston say the development opens the door to applying the unique properties of nanoparticles to a wide variety of light-stimulated nerve-signaling devices -- including the possible development of a nanoparticle-based artificial retina. Nanoparticles are artificially created bits of matter not much bigger than individual atoms. The researchers, using a process devised by Professor Nicholas Kotov of the University Michigan, created nanoparticles with characteristics such as compatibility with living cells and the ability to turn light into tiny electrical currents that can produce responses in nerves. Other authors of the research include University of Michigan graduate students W.M. Shan Wickramanayake and Edward Jan, as well as UTMB professor Malcolm Brodwick.  (This story has run widely in U.S. and international media.)