Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology developed an adaptive optics two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy system for high-resolution in vivo fluorescence imaging of mouse retina. This breakthrough enables detailed study of retinal structures and dynamics, shedding new light on neurodegenerative diseases.
SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·DateMay 20, 2020
A new clinical trial will assess the effectiveness of adalimumab in preventing recurrence of uveitis and improving quality of life. The study aims to identify which patients with uveitis benefit most from this medication, both in terms of vision and treatment side effects.
Scientists at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have discovered a potential new treatment for Sjögren's Syndrome, a disease that causes severe dry eyes and mouth. By reducing the levels of microRNA-744, they were able to reduce inflammation and damage to the eye.
A new study found that very low doses of Avastin are effective in preventing blindness in preterm infants. The treatment was tested on 59 preterm infants with type 1 ROP and showed success in improving vision with minimal side effects.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 23, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Research found that the physical characteristics of charismatic invasive species, such as body size and coloration, contribute to their appeal and can lead to increased human interaction and difficulty in management. Conversely, other species that are considered problematic may be viewed less favorably due to cultural perceptions.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateApr 21, 2020
Researchers discovered a potential new method to detect age-related macular degeneration using tetracycline staining and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Tiny deposits of lipids, proteins, and minerals under the retina can be visualized with this technique, offering enhanced early detection.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateApr 21, 2020
Researchers discovered a key mechanism behind eye vessel leakiness in diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. By targeting this specific step, they hope to develop new treatments that can selectively block leak-inducing effects without harming nerve and blood-vessel cells.
A multi-disciplinary team has identified a protein called SARM1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating retinal degeneration. This discovery may provide a new approach to slowing the progression of blinding diseases such as AMD and retinitis pigmentosa.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateApr 20, 2020
A recent analysis found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet correlates with higher cognitive function and slower cognitive decline. High fish and vegetable consumption had the greatest protective effect on cognition.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered a lipid gradient in tears that helps form and maintain the tear film's inner liquid layer and outer lipid layer. This finding could lead to new treatments for dry eye disease by targeting the lipid layer.
A retrospective observational study of ophthalmologists' experiences with familial amyloid polyneuropathies (FAP) reveals the challenges of treating this rare disease, particularly in maintaining eyesight despite liver transplants. The study aims to share knowledge and best practices with other researchers and doctors worldwide.
SourceShinshu University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 3, 2020
A new FDA-approved medication has been shown to effectively treat thyroid eye disease in patients of all ages and genders, regardless of their smoking status. According to a study, teprotumumab reduces inflammation and tissue buildup behind the eye, leading to improved symptoms and quality of life.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020
Scientists from Osaka University created a new cellular model of the human eye using hiPSCs, enabling them to isolate specific cells involved in eye development and study related diseases. The novel model uses PITX2, a key protein during eye development, to track cell expression and differentiate between eye cells.
SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 24, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A study published in Neurology found that 82% of people with Parkinson's reported one or more eye problems, compared to 48% without the disease. Eye problems often interfered with daily life for 68% of those with Parkinson's, affecting activities like driving and reading.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 11, 2020
A study by University of Helsinki researchers identified a gene variant in the regulatory region of the retina responsible for canine blindness in Miniature Schnauzers. The finding provides valuable insights into retinal biology and offers a new model for understanding related diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 10, 2020
OCU400, a novel gene therapy product candidate, demonstrates efficacy in rescuing photoreceptors from degeneration by resetting retinal homeostasis. The treatment has the potential to be broadly effective across genetically diverse IRDs, offering hope for millions of people worldwide affected by inherited retinal degenerations.
Neuroscientists at the University of South Florida have developed a method to regulate eye pressure, which is sufficient to cause and explain glaucoma. The new technique enables direct knowledge and control of eye pressure, removing experimental variability and enabling systematic studies.
SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 2020
A new minimally invasive treatment has shown significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life for patients with thyroid eye disease. The drug, teprotumumab, blocks inflammatory autoimmune pathophysiology and has the potential to alter the course of the disease.
SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new protein called factor H-related protein 4 (FHR-4) has been linked to age-related macular degeneration. Higher levels of FHR-4 in the blood may indicate increased risk of developing the disease, which affects over 1.5 million people in the UK.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2020
A team at Massachusetts Eye and Ear has identified GPR108, a G protein-coupled receptor, as a molecular 'lock' necessary for most adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to gain access to cells. This discovery may enable scientists to better explain, predict, and ultimately direct AAV gene transfers to specific tissues.
SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJan 23, 2020
A special issue of Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience reports remarkable progress in treating conditions of partial blindness. Research explores various aspects of vision loss due to diseases like glaucoma or optic neuropathy, with a focus on stop-cell death and induce regeneration to restore vision.
SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJan 22, 2020
In mouse studies, a 'methylation clock' on the ELOVL2 gene ticked toward impaired vision with decreased gene expression, but boosting expression rescued age-related decline in visual function. The study highlights ELOVL2's regulatory role in producing essential fatty acids for healthy retinal function.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAging Cell·DateJan 15, 2020
A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found that many 70-year-olds in Sweden overestimate their eyesight, but can still see considerably better with glasses or power correction. The study also highlights the importance of regular eye exams to detect visual impairment and age-related diseases.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·DateJan 14, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers at UNH have reported the first structural model of PDE6 enzyme and its activating protein, offering clues for new therapeutic interventions to manage retinal diseases. The study's findings could lead to improved treatments for genetically inherited eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and night blindness.
SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 8, 2020
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago will conduct 3,000 eye exams among Latinos living in Chicago and Miami to study common eye conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. The goal is to identify patterns or causes of disease that can be prevented or slowed with treatment.
A new study estimates heritability and maps relationships among thousands of diseases using electronic health record data. Disease prevalence curves show early onset vs late onset patterns, revealing genetic links between diseases. The team identifies new patterns, including parasitic infections aligning with noninfectious diseases.
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2019
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal has identified a potential mechanism linking long-term exposure to environmental noise and cardiovascular disease. The research found that high noise levels lead to activation of the amygdala, a deep brain structure, triggering changes that increase the risk of heart attack, stroke...
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 26, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers suggest a thermally induced fluid mixing approach could improve the delivery of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents to target tissue. This technique may reduce the amount of drug injected into the vitreous and increase effective treatment outcomes for patients with macular degeneration.
A new screening approach for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has been developed, adding slow weight gain to existing criteria. The method was tested in a large prospective study and found to correctly predict ROP cases while reducing unnecessary examinations by nearly a third.
SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateNov 14, 2019
Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in monkeys that causes Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, a devastating eye disorder. The discovery provides a promising animal model for developing gene and cell therapies to treat the condition in humans.
SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalExperimental Eye Research·DateOct 25, 2019
Researchers have identified glial and vascular cells as contributing to the development of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. The study provides new insights into the disease, highlighting potential targets for novel therapies.
SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2019
Researchers have identified a new class of therapy for dry eye disease by targeting anti-citrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPA) with antibody-based eye drops. The treatment has shown statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in corneal damage and symptoms in patients with severe dry eye disease.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalThe Ocular Surface·DateOct 11, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers developed a new non-invasive optical imaging system to diagnose and treat dry eye disease. The Tear Film Imager images layers of the tear film with speed and precision, providing nanometer-level insight into subtle changes in each layer.
A Baylor University researcher's prototype smartphone app, CRADLE, detects early signs of various eye diseases in children by searching for abnormal reflections from the retina. The app surpassed the 'gold standard' of sensitivity and detected leukocoria with 80% accuracy.
SourceBaylor University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 3, 2019
Researchers have developed a new approach to delivering sight-saving gene therapy to the retina, using a small needle to inject harmless viruses into the suprachoroidal space. This method could provide a more permanent therapeutic option for patients with common diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration and inherited retina...
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 30, 2019
Dr. Jin Liu is working on a $437,864 grant to develop more precise gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, aiming to reduce off-target effects and increase on-target effectiveness for treating life-threatening diseases such as cancer, eye diseases, and sickle cell anemia.
SourceUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center·DateSep 26, 2019
QUT researchers have developed a new method for analysing Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images using deep learning techniques to detect and track eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. The team's findings show that their program is reliable and more accurate than standard image analysis methods.
SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 23, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Scientists at Columbia University have successfully miniaturized medical imaging technology using a microchip, producing high-quality images with improved depth resolution. The breakthrough could lead to affordable handheld devices for disease diagnosis outside of hospitals in low-resource settings.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Photonics·DateSep 17, 2019
Researchers found increased AGE levels in eyes of people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, indicating potential for early detection through lens autofluorescence measurement. A new biomicroscope can detect these levels without invasive procedures.
Researchers at the Complutense University of Madrid have identified areas of the retina that change in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The study used optical coherence tomography to measure retinal layer thickness and found significant thinning in certain locations, which can be used to diagnose the disease before other tests.
SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 13, 2019
Researchers at the University of Utah Health have made a groundbreaking genetic discovery linking MacTel to HSAN1, revealing that toxic biomolecules deoxySLs cause damage to the macula. The study also found that lipid-lowering medication fenofibrate shows potential in protecting the retina from these biomolecules.
SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019
Researchers at the Lowy Medical Research Institute have discovered that MacTel is caused by low blood levels of serine, leading to toxic lipid accumulation and photoreceptor cell death. This breakthrough has implications for other retinal eye diseases and may lead to new treatments.
SourceLowy Medical Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A NIH-funded clinical trial found that methotrexate was more effective than mycophenolate mofetil in controlling inflammation and treatment success for patients with severe forms of uveitis. At six months, 74% of participants in the methotrexate group achieved control compared to 55% in the mycophenolate group.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA·DateSep 10, 2019
Dogs in Africa are susceptible to severe and often fatal disease if bitten by infected tsetse flies, characterized by symptoms such as corneal cloudiness. Researchers have developed molecular methods to accurately diagnose the disease, revealing a surprising link between canine and human cases.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateSep 9, 2019
A new DNA sequencing method can detect early-stage wheat diseases with high accuracy, addressing the limitations of traditional methods. This portable technology can also identify unknown pathogens and diagnose unexpected diseases, saving time and money in agricultural biosecurity monitoring.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateAug 28, 2019
Scientists have developed a retina-on-a-chip technology that recreates the human retina's complex tissue architecture, enabling the efficient study of eye diseases and screening for drug side effects. The tool uses living human cells with an artificial tissue-like system, mimicking the body's environment and blood vessels.
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers at FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine are working on a novel project to identify the role of hypoxia in the formation of the eye lens and its potential as a therapeutic target for eye diseases such as cataracts. The grant will help advance regenerative medicine by developing ocular cells that can replace damaged tissues.
A team of Australian scientists has created the world's most detailed gene map of the human retina, providing unprecedented insights into its genetic signals. This will help future research understand the factors that enable cells to function normally and identify the genetic 'mistakes' causing vision loss and blindness.
SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateAug 25, 2019
Researchers at Tampere University found voltage-gated sodium channels in epithelial tissue of the eye, which are involved in renewal of sensory cells and phagocytosis process in retinal pigment epithelium. This discovery reveals new insight on functioning of the eye and retinal diseases.
SourceTampere University·JournalBMC Biology·DateAug 15, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin discovered that claudin-5 plays a crucial role in the development of dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. The study suggests that regulating blood vessel integrity may prevent the disease.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 8, 2019
Researchers have developed an artificial human eye replica, the blinking eye-on-a-chip, to model dry eye disease (DED). The device mimics the complex pathophysiology of DED, allowing scientists and drug developers to test experimental treatments.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 5, 2019
A group of scientists recommends large-scale collaborative research to tackle dry macular degeneration, with proposed methods including integrated collaboration and biorepository development. The panel aims to bring about meaningful clinical results by promoting multidisciplinary investigator teams.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2019
Researchers have discovered a molecular machine that reorganizes the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is essential for energy production in cells. The study sheds light on the hereditary disease optic atrophy and may lead to new therapies.
SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateJul 10, 2019
Researchers analyzed samples from over 1,000 type 1 diabetes patients for 50 years or longer and found a protective protein called RBP3. Injecting RBP3 into rodents blocked diabetic retinopathy without severe side effects.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 3, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a protein found in the eye that protects against and potentially treats diabetic eye disease. Retinol Binding Protein 3 (RBP3) prevents the development of diabetic retinopathy, and introducing it early can reverse the effects of the complication in rodent models.
SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 3, 2019
A new study from City, University of London suggests that patients diagnosed with dry AMD may experience considerable distress despite reasonable visual function. Effective communication with eye health professionals and timely information about the disease can alleviate anxiety and fear of going blind.
SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalEye·DateJun 28, 2019
A new study reveals that the complement system, part of the innate immune system, plays a protective role in slowing retinal degeneration in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. The research suggests that the complement system helps to clear away dead cells and maintain homeostasis in the retina.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 17, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers found retinal vascular tortuosity, a microvascular abnormality, is associated with PAH and pulmonary vascular remodeling. The study suggests the eye may provide valuable information about pulmonary circulation health.
Scientists discovered differences in Müller cell shape and biology between the retina's macula and peripheral regions, shedding light on the eye's defense mechanism against disease. The study found that macula Müller cells produce more serine, a protective amino acid, but are more susceptible to stress when this production is blocked.
A phase I/II clinical trial of an enzyme-based treatment found reduced signs of disease and discomfort in participants with severe dry eye disease. The treatment, DNase, was shown to be safe and effective in improving corneal health and reducing symptoms.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·DateMay 7, 2019