Add BrightSurf on Google Email

NIH awards University of Delaware's Lachke $1.7 million grant

Salil Lachke's research aims to understand the developmental disorders that cause anophthalmia and microphthalmia, rare eye defects occurring in 1 in every 5,300 babies born in the US. The NIH grant will support his investigation of Rbm24, a gene implicated in eye development and potentially other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateApr 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study merges big data and zebrafish biology to reveal mechanisms of human disease

Researchers have discovered an unexpected role for the gene GRIK5 in linking vascular biology to eye disease, utilizing biobanks, electronic health records, and zebrafish. The study found reduced expression of GRIK5 associated with 18 different eye diseases, including retinal detachment, cataract, and glaucoma.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 24, 2019

Doubles badminton players may be at highest risk of serious eye injury during play

A small study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that doubles badminton players are at greatest risk of potentially serious eye injuries during matches. Protective eye wear is highly recommended for all competitors to prevent such injuries, which can cause permanent vision loss and even blindness.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 15, 2019

Nature could provide the answer for blindness caused by diabetes, say experts

Researchers have found and tested compounds from a group of plants that could be used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy and other degenerative eye diseases. The study suggests that these natural compounds may provide a new approach to treating blindness caused by diabetes, offering hope for future treatments.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateApr 9, 2019

Detecting eye and brain disease earlier

Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago are developing functional optical coherence tomography and OCT angiography to study minute changes in the retina indicating early stages of brain diseases. The technique, led by Xincheng Yao, aims to detect neurovascular coupling changes that precede clinical symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateApr 3, 2019

NIH study finds no evidence that calcium increases risk of AMD

A recent NIH study found no evidence that eating a calcium-rich diet or taking supplements increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration. The study suggests that high calcium intake may be protective, but more research is needed to confirm this finding.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 21, 2019
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.

New study highlights 'alarmingly high' rate of visual problems in stroke survivors

A new University study highlights the high incidence and prevalence of visual problems in acute stroke survivors, with 48% of all stroke admissions and 60% of survivors experiencing new onset visual conditions. The study found that three quarters of patients had visual problems, including impaired central vision, eye movement abnormali...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2019

Is dry eye disease associated with migraine headaches?

Dry eye disease is linked to an increased risk of migraine headaches, with symptoms including stinging, burning, or scratchy sensations. The study suggests a possible association between the two conditions, warranting further research into diagnostic and treatment options.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 7, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Study finds Ebola survivors in Liberia face ongoing health issues

Researchers found Ebola survivors in Liberia had higher rates of uveitis, muscle pain, fatigue, and joint pain compared to a control group. Physical exams also revealed abnormal findings in abdominal, chest, and neurologic areas.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 6, 2019

Smartphone use risks eye examination misdiagnosis

Research from Anglia Ruskin University found that calibrated smartphone cameras can significantly improve accuracy in eye examinations. The study used three smartphones and compared results to clinician diagnoses, highlighting the importance of camera calibration for telemedicine and AI applications.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2019

300 blind mice uncover genetic causes of eye disease

A team of researchers has identified 261 new genes linked to blindness and vision disorders in mice, which could help identify new causes of hereditary blindness in humans. The study uses a large database of gene-knockout mice to accelerate the application of genomics in clinical medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCommunications Biology·DateDec 21, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

NTU Singapore scientists develop 'contact lens' patch to treat eye diseases

Researchers have developed a painless and efficient alternative to current treatment methods for eye diseases, using biodegradable microneedles that deliver drugs into the eye. The patch has been shown to be 90% more effective than eye drops in alleviating corneal vascularisation.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2018

The eyes have it

High levels of prions were found throughout the eyes of deceased sCJD patients, suggesting the eye as a potential source for early detection and prevention of disease transmission. Researchers also discovered that prion seeds accumulate in the retina, with implications for diagnostic tests before symptoms become apparent.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalmBio·DateNov 20, 2018
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.

Dry eye syndrome slows reading rate, study suggests

A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that dry eye syndrome can slow a person's reading speed by up to 10% and make it difficult to read for more than 30 minutes. The condition affects millions of adults in the US, causing ocular discomfort and visual problems.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateNov 15, 2018

Smoking during pregnancy may lead to childhood eye condition

Maternal smoking is associated with a higher risk of strabismus in children, which can lead to visual impairment and emotional problems. A study of 11 relevant articles found that maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the risk by up to 79 percent.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·DateNov 7, 2018

Clearing up information about corneal dystrophies

A new editorial and free resource clarify corneal dystrophy diagnoses based on corrected medical literature, with the International Committee for Classification of Corneal Dystrophies providing an updated standard classification. The IC3D nomenclature has become internationally accepted.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateNov 7, 2018

Researchers find novel mutation affecting YARS causes multisystem disease

Researchers identified a novel missense mutation in tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (YARS) causing severe recessive disorder. The study found that affected individuals exhibited poor growth, developmental delay, and various organ dysfunctions, including liver disease, pancreatic insufficiency, and hearing loss.

SourceClinic for Special Children·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateNov 6, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

MDM2 inhibitors could be promising new treatment for uveitis

Uveitis, a serious eye disease, affects 200,000 people in the US and can lead to irreversible blindness. MDM2 inhibitors have been found to inhibit ocular inflammation, suggesting a new treatment option with reduced systemic side effects.

SourceUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateNov 1, 2018
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.

Eye discovery to pave way for more successful corneal transplants

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a characteristic of the Descemet membrane that can cause difficulties for surgeons performing corneal transplants. The study found that elastin, an elastic-like fiber, governs the direction of the membrane's roll and may be responsible for its unidirectional behavior.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateSep 30, 2018

A potential new way to treat some of the most common blinding diseases

A study found that inhibiting atypical protein kinase C reduces increased vessel permeability and blocks inflammation, potentially helping protect vision in patients with eye diseases. The therapy has therapeutic potential for diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, and retinal vein and artery occlusions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 13, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Alzheimer's one day may be predicted during eye exam

Scientists have detected signs of Alzheimer's disease in the eyes of patients who showed no symptoms, using a non-invasive technique called optical coherence tomography angiography. The study found that patients with elevated levels of Alzheimer's proteins had significant thinning in the center of their retinas.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateAug 23, 2018

Handheld probe images photoreceptors in children

Duke University researchers have developed a handheld probe that can image individual photoreceptors in the eyes of infants, allowing for early detection of eye diseases and brain-related traumas. The new technology uses adaptive optics and is much smaller and faster than previous systems, making it ideal for imaging young children.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptica·DateAug 23, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Handheld imager poised to provide new insights into eye and brain diseases

Researchers developed a handheld ophthalmology instrument with adaptive optics technology to image individual photoreceptors in the eye, improving diagnosis of eye diseases. The device can capture images of tiny photoreceptors close to the center of the retina, providing insights into brain-related diseases and trauma.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateAug 23, 2018

Study: The eyes may have it, an early sign of Parkinson's disease

A new study has found that the thinning of the retina is linked to the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine, a substance that helps control movement. This discovery may lead to a simple eye scan being used to detect Parkinson's disease in its earliest stages.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 16, 2018

Mount Sinai researchers discover how to restore vision using retinal stem cells

Researchers at Mount Sinai have successfully restored vision in mice by activating retinal stem cells, which could lead to treatments for patients with blinding diseases. The study found that new rod photoreceptor cells were generated and integrated into the existing retinal structure, restoring function of the visual pathway.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateAug 15, 2018
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.

Study suggests glaucoma may be an autoimmune disease

A recent study suggests that glaucoma is not just a pressure-related disease, but also an autoimmune disorder caused by the immune system attacking retinal cells. The researchers found that T cells, which normally target foreign substances, are responsible for progressive retinal degeneration in glaucoma.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2018

Eye conditions provide new lens screening for Alzheimer's disease

A significant link was discovered between age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease. Patients with these eye conditions were at a 40-50% greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to similar individuals without these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·DateAug 8, 2018
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.

Researchers link weight-loss surgery to lower risk of diabetes complications

Researchers found that bariatric surgery reduces the risk of nerve, kidney and eye disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study included over 3,900 patients who underwent bariatric surgery and compared them to a control group of over 11,000 patients who received usual medical care.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 6, 2018

Lessons from flies: genetic diversity impacts disease severity

A study by University of Utah Health scientists reveals that variation in the genetic modifier Baldspot can influence disease severity in retinitis pigmentosa. The research suggests targeting genes like Baldspot could lead to effective treatments against some disorders.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 6, 2018

Blindness gene discovered

UNIGE researchers identified a new gene, MARK3, as the cause of a recessive genetic disorder leading to childhood blindness. The discovery enables accurate diagnosis and may lead to personalized treatment options.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJul 23, 2018

Researchers are one step closer to developing eye drops to treat common sight loss condition

Researchers have made significant progress in developing eye drops to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. The eye drops use cell-penetrating peptides to deliver therapeutic drugs to the retina, offering a convenient and potentially cost-effective alternative to injections.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJul 19, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

An orange a day keeps macular degeneration away: 15-year study

A 15-year study found that people who eat at least one serving of oranges daily have a 60% reduced risk of developing late macular degeneration. Flavonoids in oranges appear to help prevent against the eye disease.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 12, 2018

New research identifies how blind cavefish lose their eyes

A new study led by the NIH identified roles for over two dozen genes shared with humans, many linked to human eye disorders, in causing cavefish blindness. Epigenetic regulation mechanisms have been found to play a key role in this process.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 6, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

NIH researchers identify how eye loss occurs in blind cavefish

Cavefish have higher levels of DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B in developing eyes, leading to epigenetic suppression of eye development genes. This process differs from genetic mutations, which are permanent changes in the DNA code.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 29, 2018
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.

New diagnostic technique picks up the S in vision

A new diagnostic technique has been successfully tested at the University of Bradford, allowing for the isolation of responses from S-cone photoreceptors. This breakthrough could help in the diagnosis of diseases such as Types 1 and 2 diabetes, glaucoma, and high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalJournal of the Optical Society of America·DateMay 1, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Omega-3s from fish oil supplements no better than placebo for dry eye

A well-controlled trial found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements taken orally proved no better than placebo at relieving symptoms or signs of dry eye. Despite insufficient evidence establishing the effectiveness of omega-3s, clinicians and patients have been inclined to try the supplements for various conditions, including dry eye.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 13, 2018

Mount Sinai research on omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for dry eye

The study, funded by the National Eye Institute, tested oral omega-3 supplementation on patients with dry eye disease. Despite finding some improvement in symptoms and signs, researchers concluded that omega-3 supplements did not show a beneficial effect relative to placebo.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 13, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

NTU Singapore and SERI invent new scope to diagnose glaucoma

A new 'pen camera' called GonioPEN makes it easier to diagnose patients with glaucoma by detecting the type of glaucoma in a faster and cheaper manner. It causes negligible discomfort and allows doctors or trained technicians to capture high-resolution images of the eye drainage canal with minimal contact.

SourceNanyang Technological University·DateApr 5, 2018

Retinal implant halts vision loss from macular degeneration

A bioengineered retinal implant, composed of human embryonic stem cells, has been shown to halt vision loss in advanced non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The implant was well-tolerated and successfully integrated with retinal tissue, demonstrating potential for a new therapy for this progressive disease.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 4, 2018

Expanding support for Ethiopia's malaria control efforts

ICAP has partnered with Ethiopia since 2005, providing critical support in combating malaria. The new five-year project aims to strengthen malaria diagnosis and treatment services, with an eye on long-term elimination of the disease.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateApr 4, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.