The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has been awarded a $110,000 grant from Research to Prevent Blindness to conduct research on the causes, treatment and prevention of blinding diseases. The grant will be directed by Dr. Joan Miller, who leads the Mass. Eye and Ear/Mass General Department of Ophthalmology.
The Mass. Eye and Ear Cataract Master uses computer-based simulation to provide a realistic interactive experience for ophthalmology residents and practicing surgeons. The program aims to minimize clinical risk while boosting skills and confidence, ultimately raising the quality of patient care.
Scientists have determined the genetic sequences of all 12 available strains of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which acquired resistance independently after acquiring a specific transposon. The findings may lead to new ways to prevent and treat infection by MRSA, VRSA, and VRE.
The largest genetic study of glaucoma identified two genetic variations associated with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of blindness. The findings may lead to more effective therapies for POAG, including normal pressure glaucoma (NPG), where no curative treatments exist.
Corneal specialist Dr. James Chodosh has received a $150,000 grant from Research to Prevent Blindness to study viral infections of the eye and identify characteristics that cause inflammation in the cornea. The goal of his research is to develop predictive models for Adenovirus-infected corneas and improve treatment options.
Researchers at Mass. Eye and Ear will develop an algorithm to evaluate anatomical changes in the eye associated with certain glaucoma treatments. The fellowship will support the work of Mamta Shah under the mentorship of Drs. Louis Pasquale and Suzanne Freitag.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear aim to understand the origins of eye allergies, a major health problem in the US. They hope to uncover more effective targets for treatment, potentially offering new hope for those suffering from ocular surface allergy.
Researchers found that women are more vulnerable to exfoliation syndrome (ES) than men, and that living in the middle or southern tier of the US reduces the risk. The study also confirms established associations with age and family history, as well as new data on associations with gender, eye color, and ancestry.
The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has received a $11 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease to coordinate a Harvard-wide project on antibiotic resistance. The goal is to develop new antibiotics to treat highly resistant infections caused by staph and other related bacteria.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism of resistance to daptomycin in enterococcus strains, which can be attributed to mutations in the cardiolipin synthase gene. This finding provides valuable information on how antibiotics work and could lead to the development of better treatments for resistant infections.
Researchers created a new mouse model that can be used to study degenerative diseases, such as type I diabetes and Parkinson's disease. The Mos-iCsp3 mouse allows for targeted destruction of specific cell types, providing a valuable tool for developing therapies.
The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has received a five-year K12 grant from the National Institutes of Health to support junior clinician-scientists in translational and clinical research. The program provides financial support, mentorship, and protected research time.
Researchers have isolated a portion of the adenovirus responsible for causing pink eye, finding that its protein coating is the key to inflammation in the eyes. This discovery offers new hope for developing a treatment for this highly contagious and common condition.
Research reveals that temporary hearing deprivation during childhood can cause persistent hearing deficits, similar to amblyopia. The auditory cortex's vulnerability to lack of stimulation during critical periods suggests a similar problem exists in the realm of hearing, leading to 'lazy ear.'
A virtual training tool enhances teaching in cataract surgery, improving resident performance and patient outcomes. The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Cataract Surgery Trainer allows residents to practice complex surgeries in a safe, simulated environment.