New tool to create hearing cells lost in aging

Hearing loss due to aging, noise and certain cancer drugs has been irreversible, because scientists have not been able to reprogram existing cells to develop into the outer and inner ear sensory cells -- essential for hearing -- once they die. But scientists now have discovered a single master gene that programs ear hair cells into either outer or inner ones, overcoming a major hurdle that had prevented the development of these cells to restore hearing.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/F4osiQp