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Scientists Discover Way to Send Information into Black Holes Without Using Energy

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World’s First 3D-Printed Cornea Gave a 70-Year-Old Woman Her Vision Back

For millions of people around the world, losing eyesight because of corneal disease is a harsh reality. The most common treatment is a corneal transplant. But there is a serious problem: donor corneas are extremely rare. For every 70 people who need a transplant, only one donor cornea is available.

Now, science has delivered a breakthrough that could change this forever.

Last month, doctors in Israel successfully restored vision to a 70-year-old woman using the world’s first fully 3D-printed corneal implant. The historic surgery took place at the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa and marked a major step forward in regenerative medicine.

A medical first that brings real hope

The cornea, called PB-001, was created by Israeli biotech company Precise Bio. Unlike traditional transplants, it did not rely on donated tissue taken directly from another person’s eye. Instead, scientists used human corneal cells grown in a laboratory and printed them into a living, working cornea.

“This transplant is a moment of real hope for millions of people waiting for corneal donations,” said Aryeh Batt, co-founder and CEO of Precise Bio. “It’s the first time an implant made entirely in a laboratory from human cells has been successfully used in a human being. This is not only a scientific breakthrough — it’s a historic moment.”

The surgery was part of a Phase I clinical trial to test safety. So far, the patient has responded well, and her sight has been restored in the treated eye.

One donor, hundreds of perfect corneas

Traditional corneal transplants depend on donated tissue, which is limited, fragile, and difficult to store. Corneas also vary in quality depending on the donor’s age and health, and they must be used quickly.

The new technology solves these problems.

Using cells from a single healthy donor cornea, researchers were able to produce around 300 transparent corneal implants in the lab. Each one is printed layer by layer to closely match the structure, strength, and clarity of a natural cornea.

This means consistent quality every time — and potentially unlimited supply.

Experts say bioprinted corneas could soon become “ready-to-use implants” that can be stored, shipped, and used when needed, dramatically reducing waiting times for patients.

The surgery that proved it works

The operation was led by Professor Michael Mimouni, director of the Cornea Unit at Rambam Eye Institute. For him and his team, the moment was unforgettable.

“What this platform shows is that in the lab, you can expand human cells, print them in precise layers, and the tissue will survive and function,” he said. “We can hopefully reduce waiting times for patients waiting for transplants.”

This achievement is the result of years of collaboration between scientists, surgeons, and engineers — turning an idea first developed in 2018 into real treatment for a real patient.

A glimpse into the future of medicine

The success of the 3D-printed cornea goes far beyond eye care. Precise Bio believes the same technology could one day be used to print other tissues, such as heart muscle, liver tissue, and even kidney cells. While those applications will require years of testing, this first success shows that the path forward is possible.

At Rambam, the breakthrough will become part of a larger vision. The upcoming Helmsley Health Discovery Tower will bring research, training, and patient care together to speed up the journey from lab discovery to lifesaving treatment.

What this means for patients

For people affected by corneal disease — and for their families — this development brings renewed hope. Donor tissue will still be important, but lab-grown implants could finally solve the global shortage that leaves millions waiting in darkness.

This milestone also reminds us that medical breakthroughs take time. But when the result is something as powerful as restored sight, the wait is worth it.

For one 70-year-old woman, a printed cornea did more than make history — it gave her vision back.

Provided by Rambam

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