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.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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
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
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
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.
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.
Researchers found a potential predictor of (future) Alzheimer's disease in eye fluid, linking low amyloid-β and tau protein levels to lower cognitive scores. The study suggests that proteins in the eye may be accessible for an affordable test to predict future AD.
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
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.
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
UVA is expanding its telehealth capacity to help patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes, prediabetes, and heart disease. The initiative includes remote monitoring, screenings, home rehabilitation programs, and training for healthcare providers.
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
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.
Researchers at Portland State University have developed a 3-D image of the membrane channel to better understand cell-to-cell communication, opening doors to new treatments for diseases associated with gap junction malfunction. The discovery may pave the way for pharmaceuticals that can control heart disease and other conditions.
SourcePortland State University·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2018
A study found that prions, infectious proteins causing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, accumulate in the retina and other parts of the eye. The discovery could lead to new diagnostic tests and treatments for the disease.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateNov 20, 2018
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
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.
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
Researchers at the National Eye Institute combine adaptive optics and angiography to visualize live neurons, epithelial cells, and blood vessels in the retina. This technology could lead to earlier detection of diseases like age-related macular degeneration.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalCommunications Biology·DateNov 14, 2018
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
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 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.
Researchers trained neural nets to detect pneumonia in chest X-rays and found reduced accuracy when tested on external data. A random forest model can predict future diagnosis of high myopia among Chinese school-aged children up to 8 years in advance with clinically acceptable performance.
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
Researchers developed an antisense oligonucleotide therapy to halt or reverse SCA7-induced vision loss. Studies in mice and humans show promise for treating the rare condition with fewer side effects than existing medications.
SourceDuke Department of Neurology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 1, 2018
Researchers reviewed published studies and found at least seven patients who experienced devastating harm from unapproved cell therapy. Clinics that offer such treatments often omit poor outcomes in their reports, leading to a significant under-reporting of complications.
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.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has received a $2 million gift from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation to establish a permanent research fund focused on pediatric ophthalmology. The fund will leverage the IRIS Registry to uncover optimal approaches to prevention and treatment for common and rare eye diseases affecting children.
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 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.
A new poll suggests that primary care providers could play a crucial role in promoting vision care for adults age 50 and older. The poll found that nearly a quarter of respondents said they hadn't had their eyes checked by an eye doctor in three years or more, citing cost and lack of insurance coverage as major barriers.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateSep 5, 2018
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
The Penn Biomedical Graduate Studies program will award six students with a $2 million fellowship, supporting their work on high-risk projects in biomedical research. The Blavatnik Family Fellowship aims to cultivate outstanding young minds and accelerate critical research.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of 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 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
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
Researchers found that immune cells called neutrophils may be disrupting the moisturizing glands of the eyelid, causing dry eye. The study suggests that inflammation is a common cause of Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and could lead to new treatment strategies.
SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 25, 2018
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 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.
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
The Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) is a pioneering organization developing new therapies for eye diseases. With a strong interdisciplinary approach, IOB combines basic and clinical science to address global challenges like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and myopia.
SourceInstitute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel·DateJun 18, 2018
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.
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
A new genetic cause for canine congenital eye disease has been discovered, revealing an unprecedented mode of inheritance linked to maternal genes. The study found that a deletion mutation in the RBP4 gene leads to vitamin A deficiency and blindness in affected dogs.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 29, 2018
Machine learning has detected small vessel disease, a common cause of stroke and dementia, in CT scans more accurately than current methods. The software can identify and measure the severity of SVD, enabling clinicians to administer better treatments and predict patients' likelihood of developing dementia.
SourceImperial College London·JournalRadiology·DateMay 16, 2018
The MRC Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh has received £53 million in funding to study human genetics. The unit will investigate genetic variations and their impact on diseases, including those affecting childhood development and cancer.
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.
Tivanisiran, an RNAi-based compound, shows promise in treating dry eye syndrome by improving ocular inflammatory parameters and reducing symptoms. The Phase III Helix study will evaluate its efficacy in over 300 patients across six countries.
A machine learning algorithm diagnosed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with comparable or better accuracy than human experts, based on 5,511 images. The study aimed to improve diagnosis, which is currently highly subjective and variable.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 2, 2018
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
Sylentis presents preclinical and clinical results for three ophthalmological compounds targeting dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration and eye allergies. The company is a leader in RNAi technology and has developed new treatments for ophthalmological and inflammatory illnesses.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A new randomized clinical trial found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements were no more effective than placebo in alleviating dry eye symptoms. The study enrolled 535 participants and revealed that even the highest dose of omega-3 supplements did not improve outcomes for participants.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 13, 2018
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
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.
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.
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
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.