Articles tagged with Blindness
A recent study has identified gene variants for glaucoma in a black population, which could lead to future treatments or a cure for the disease. The finding is significant as it explains nearly one-third of the genetic risk for glaucoma and could provide a more accurate and earlier diagnosis.
Dr. Orly Lahav's BlindAid software tool uses a joystick and 3-D haptic device to provide tactile feedback, allowing the blind to navigate and explore virtual environments. The tool is connected to real-world maps, enabling users to build cognitive maps and take control of their lives.
A study predicts a 40% increase in blindness in Nigeria by 2020, with nearly all cases being either preventable or treatable. The research found that cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors are the most common causes of blindness, particularly among those with limited access to healthcare.
Researchers found that a patient blinded on one side of his brain could still avoid obstacles in his non-damaged visual field, suggesting ancient visual pathways bypass the main visual areas. These primitive pathways work in real-time and do not access memories, with important implications for rehabilitation.
Researchers have discovered that gene therapy can restore vision in adults with Leber congenital amaurosis type 2, a rare form of blindness. The treated parts of the retina have acquired image-processing strength to rival the normal center for visual perception.
Researchers report significant visual benefits in three young adults with Leber congenital amaurosis, a previously untreatable form of blindness. The gene therapy, which restored the RPE65 protein necessary for vision production, has shown safety and stability over one year.
Researchers found category-specific brain activation in both sighted and blind humans, suggesting innate structure of the human brain. The ventral stream's medial-to-lateral organization reflects preferences for nonliving-to-living stimuli, indicating evolutionary history constraints.
A recent study at the University of Alberta found that most pharmacy pamphlets fail to meet guidelines for accessibility, with only 23% meeting 9 out of 10 Canadian recommendations. The study highlights a need for improved accessibility and readability in pharmaceutical information.
A university engineering team has developed a retrofitted four-wheel dirt buggy that allows blind drivers to steer, brake, and accelerate with the help of innovative technology. The vehicle uses laser range finders, an instant voice command interface, and a host of other technologies to guide blind drivers.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati at the University of Kentucky has discovered a biological marker for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The marker, CCR3, shows strong potential as a means for both early detection and preventive treatment.
A team of scientists discovered a genetic modifier, A229T, that increases the risk of retinal degeneration and blindness in patients with ciliary diseases. The study found that this change affects protein interactions critical for retinal function, leading to progressive vision loss.
Researchers discovered benfotiamene, a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1, strongly suppresses uveitis by shutting down NF-kappa B activation. This treatment has great potential due to its low cost and rapid absorption, with existing clinical trials showing improved diabetic polyneuropathy outcomes.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that calcium dobesilate did not prevent the development of clinically significant macular oedema (CSME) in patients with mild-to-moderate diabetic retinopathy. In fact, patients who received calcium dobesilate were more likely to develop CSME than those given a placebo.
Researchers successfully trained patients with severe visual impairments after a stroke to regain some vision through intensive computer exercises. By building on existing 'blindsight,' the brain's healthy regions were stimulated to take on tasks normally handled by damaged areas.
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Robert Koenekoop, has discovered a new gene associated with Leber congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa, two devastating forms of childhood blindness. The SPATA7 gene identifies a crucial metabolic disease pathway and opens a new avenue for potential genetic therapies.
A genetic link has been identified between cats and humans for two forms of retinitis pigmentosa, a disease causing blindness. Researchers found that cats with specific mutations can be used to test the efficiency of gene therapy for both humans and animals.
Researchers from the University of Leeds have identified a single defective gene that affects both eye function and normal tooth development in two Gaza strip families suffering from Jalili syndrome. The discovery may lead to better treatments for inherited blindness and bone diseases.
Researchers have discovered how rhodopsin communicates with transducin in the retina, shedding light on vision's molecular processes. This breakthrough could lead to more targeted treatments for diseases like diabetes, allergies, and certain cancers.
The portable device is relatively inexpensive, replacing expensive diagnostic equipment with light-emitting diodes. It allows visually challenged individuals to access the Internet, view friends' faces, and express themselves through photography.
A new study by San Francisco State University Psychology Professor David Matsumoto found that facial expressions of emotion are innate and not learned. The research shows that sighted and blind individuals use the same facial expressions in response to emotional stimuli.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine has found that individuals with visual impairment caused by cataracts are disproportionately represented among the poor. The research analyzed data from Kenya, the Philippines, and Bangladesh to determine the relationship between poverty and blindness, revealing a significant association.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital used gene therapy to restore useful vision to mice with retinal degeneration by expressing a light-sensitive protein in other neuronal cells. The treatment showed promise, enabling the mice to find dark refuges and learn to associate light with safe platforms.
Scientists at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal have discovered a novel mechanism regulating neural stem cell development in the retina. The Ikaros gene plays a crucial role in conferring early temporal competence to retinal progenitor cells, enabling them to generate specific cell types at different stages of development.
Researchers have identified a gene variant linked to protection against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects the retina and choroid layer. The study suggests that a malfunctioning innate immune system is contributing to the disease, providing potential targets for novel treatments.
Scientists have created the first genetic research model for a microscopic part of the eye that causes blindness. The new model aims to test drug compounds and therapeutic agents to prolong the life of receptor cells and delay or prevent blindness.
A recent survey found that trachoma affects over 15% of adults in Ayod county, Sudan, with severe consequences for public health. The SAFE strategy is being implemented to prevent the spread of infection and treat blinding trachoma.
The Talking Points system uses Bluetooth signals to provide pedestrians with information about points of interest along their path, enhancing navigation for both blind and sighted individuals. The system also incorporates community-generated content through a website, allowing users to access reviews, specials, and sales.
New research by psychologists at the University of Washington indicates that 12- and 18-month-old babies are using their self-experience to judge what other people can see. This 'self-experience model' allows them to attribute internal thoughts and feelings to others, demonstrating an early form of role-taking.
A new species of blind, subterranean ant, Martialis heureka, has been discovered in the Amazon rainforest and is believed to be a descendant of the first ants to evolve. The ant's unique characteristics, including lack of eyes and pale body color, suggest that it may have evolved adaptations over time to its subterranean habitat.
A safety study on gene therapy for a rare form of blindness has shown promising results, with three patients regaining some vision. The treatment involves delivering a gene called RPE65 to the retina using an adeno-associated virus, and has been found to be fully safe with no adverse effects beyond routine postsurgical soreness.
Researchers have developed a novel biometric authentication method based on human reflexes, which cannot be replicated or spoofed by malicious individuals. By tracking blind spot position and saccade responses, this approach provides unique identification for each user.
A study has identified the first gene associated with severe dry macular degeneration, a condition that can lead to blindness. The researchers found that individuals with a specific genetic variant may be at risk if treated with an experimental therapy called RNA interference.
Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that offers protection against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in adults over 50. The study identifies a functional link between toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and geographic atrophy, a type of dry AMD.
A long-term study found that sudden vision loss leads to rapid changes in the visual cortex, enabling it to process touch. The brain's adaptability was revealed to be greater than previously thought, with potential implications for other sensory losses and brain injuries.
A UBC study of Olympic athletes found that pride and shame are innate biological responses to success and failure, expressed universally across cultures. The researchers used cross-cultural data gathered at the 2004 Olympics to analyze non-verbal expressions and body language.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming oily fish at least once a week may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 50%. Researchers associated high levels of omega-3 fatty acids with lower AMD risk, particularly those above 300mg per day.
Researchers have discovered that hyperactive immune resistance contributes to age-dependent macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in Western countries. The study found that patients with AMD had an entire immune system hyperactive, which may lead to permanent inflammation and vision loss.
A large-scale Medicare study evaluated the outcomes of incisional surgeries used to reduce eye pressure in patients with glaucoma. The study found that while surgeries were effective for most patients, rates of severe outcomes and progression to low vision or blindness were higher for those who received implantation of a glaucoma drain...
Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered that eliminating a third light sensor called melanopsin leaves mammals' circadian clocks blind to light but preserves perfect vision. This finding may lead to new treatments for jet lag, insomnia, and depression by resetting the body's biological clock.
The Argus II is the second-generation electronic retinal implant designed for treating blindness caused by Retinitis Pigmentosa. It consists of an array of 60 electrodes attached to the retina, conducting information from an external camera to provide rudimentary sight to implanted subjects.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine developed an AMD animal model using oxidative chemicals, which closely represents the disease in people. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments and potentially a cure for age-related macular degeneration, affecting millions of Americans.
The department has received grants totaling over $1.6 million in the past 11 years, with a focus on identifying causes and treatments for blinding diseases such as corneal cataracts and macular degeneration. The grant will support research into diabetic retinopathy, ocular inflammation, and genetic eye diseases.
Research shows that blind cavefish populations can regain vision in their offspring through hybridization, highlighting genetic differences behind eye loss. The study found that mutations in distinct genes are responsible for eye loss in separate lineages, which can be compensated by good gene copies in hybrids.
Researchers at NYU have found that hybridizing blind cave fish from different populations can partially restore their vision. The study suggests that genetic engineering can override centuries of evolutionary change in one generation.
A new smartpen and paper technology developed by Livescribe aims to enable blind college students to learn complex STEM subjects like physics, calculus, and biology. The technology allows students to explore diagrams and figures through touch and audio, making it more accessible and interactive.
A recent study reveals that CMV retinitis is causing blindness in young people with HIV in the developing world, often leading to fatal outcomes. Successful management of the disease requires decentralizing diagnostic capacity and making valganciclovir medication affordable.
Researchers are conducting a phase 1 clinical trial using gene therapy to treat LCA2, aiming to restore vision in individuals with inherited blindness. The treatment involves injecting trillions of replacement genes into the retina, using an adeno-associated virus to deliver the therapeutic gene.
Scientists discovered that immune cells called macrophages play a role in age-related macular degeneration by failing to block abnormal blood vessel formation. In older mice, macrophages shift from M1 to M2 type, promoting disease progression.
A simple technique using the twinkle after-effect can accurately identify blind spots in people with retinal disease, helping patients seek timely treatment for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The method is inexpensive, accessible, and can be used daily by patients to detect changes in their vision.
Scientists have discovered a simple method for detecting vision loss in patients with retinal disease, utilizing the induced twinkle after-effect. This technique, already proven effective in 75% of cases, allows patients to identify visual defects at home before seeking medical attention.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a potential new therapy for uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition causing 5-15% of all cases of total blindness in the US. The treatment uses an aldose reductase inhibitor to reduce inflammation and is currently being tested in clinical trials.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have found a new cause of blindness linked to a gene that regulates pH levels in the retina. The study suggests that targeting this process could lead to potential treatments for previously unknown causes of blindness, including hereditary vitreoretinal degenerations.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified hundreds of DNA elements that control when and where genes linked to blindness are turned on. These new elements can be used as switches to activate blindness therapies, offering hope for a potential cure for inherited blindness.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) proposes restricting use of ranibizumab and pegaptanib to patients who have gone blind in one eye. However, the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin concludes that this approach is 'unacceptable' and calls for universal access to these sight-saving drugs. NICE has also not issu...
A survey of 2,250 people in Rwanda found a lower prevalence of blindness than expected. The study, published in PLoS Medicine, suggests that the country has made significant progress in addressing avoidable blindness in the post-conflict period.
Researchers at Penn University have successfully restored brain function to blind animals using gene therapy, showing promise for treating genetic retinal disease. The treatment, which involves introducing a working copy of the RPE65 gene into the retina, also revived responses in the visual cortex of the canine brain.
Researchers developed network models that detect localized outbreaks better and are more resilient to unexpected shifts in healthcare utilization. Retinal gene therapy also improves visual cortex responses to light stimulation, even after prolonged blindness, in congenitally blind patients.
A new study found that blind people have superior serial memory skills, particularly in remembering items in the correct order. This advantage is thought to result from the constant use of serial-memory strategies in everyday life. Researchers plan to further investigate the underlying mental processes responsible for this phenomenon.
Researchers have discovered a new gene, LCA5, that causes inherited blindness in babies. The finding holds promise for future gene therapy treatments, which may restore vision by injecting genes into the eye.
A MUHC-led international team has identified the gene LCA5 as the cause of Leber Congenital Amaurosis, a condition affecting 200,000 worldwide. The discovery is part of efforts to fast-track a cure for this disease using gene therapy.