Researchers report successful cataract surgeries in 34 Ebola survivors, improving visual acuities from Hand Motions to 20/30 levels. The study provides evidence for safe elective eye surgery in Ebola survivors at risk of uveitis and vision impairment.
SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalEBioMedicine·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.
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
Researchers have identified over 30 different subtypes of retinal ganglion cells, the neurons responsible for processing visual information. This comprehensive understanding will enable the development of more tailored drug development and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative vision disorders.
SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 22, 2018
Researchers at UCSB developed a specially engineered retinal patch using stem cells to treat people with sudden severe sight loss from wet AMD. The study showed improvements in vision, enabling patients to read and perform daily tasks.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 19, 2018
A new study found that automated reminder calls improved diabetic eye disease screening rates among low-income minority patients, particularly African Americans. The study showed a significant increase in retinal screenings after receiving robocall reminders, with show rates of 51.6% for African Americans and 61% for Latinos.
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 study published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology journal demonstrates an AI program that detects diabetic eye disease with improved accuracy by incorporating expert feedback from retina specialists. The research provides a groundwork for developing automated systems for screening patients at risk for diabetic retinopathy.
SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateMar 13, 2018
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that successfully treats a form of macular degeneration in dogs, which could lead to a human treatment for an untreatable disease. The therapy works by repairing the connection between retinal cells, restoring vision.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2018
The NIH-led AMD Ryan Initiative Study (ARIS) will follow 500 people over five years to learn more about the natural history of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researchers aim to identify biomarkers of disease progression and develop therapies to halt its progression.
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 developed an AI-based computational tool to screen patients for common retinal diseases, achieving over 95% accuracy in diagnosis. The tool also showed promise in diagnosing childhood pneumonia with over 90% accuracy, highlighting its potential applications in healthcare.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateFeb 22, 2018
Two novel ocular hypotensive agents, netarsudil and latanoprostene bunod, have been approved for use in humans, reducing intraocular pressure with lasting results. These breakthrough drugs also show promise for treating dry eye disease and delivering ophthalmic drugs via microneedles.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics·DateFeb 21, 2018
Researchers found that very long-chain meibum is essential for preventing dry eye disease. Mice with deleted Elovl1 gene developed cloudy corneas and signs of dry eye disease after five months.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 20, 2018
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataract as the general population. The relative risk is highest among individuals aged between 45 and 54, who are up to 5.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with cataract than their healthy counterparts.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEye·DateFeb 5, 2018
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center found a connection between eye damage and cardiovascular disease in people with type 1 diabetes, suggesting shared biological mechanisms. The study also showed that kidney disease was not necessarily linked to cardiovascular disease, challenging previous assumptions.
SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJan 31, 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.
A $2.2 million grant will fund research into genetically controlled breaks in the external limiting membrane, which could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for ESCS and other retinal diseases. The study aims to understand how these breaks contribute to disease progression.
Researchers from Osaka University have identified an antibody that alleviates symptoms in neuromyelitis optica in rats by suppressing RGMa. The study uses a new localized animal model to investigate the correlation between inflammation and motor function disruption.
SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 18, 2018
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an improved gene delivery tactic for treating glaucoma, a leading blinding disease. The new method doubles the transfer of genes entering target cells and spreads them more uniformly across the trabecular meshwork tissue.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJan 16, 2018
Restasis, approved by FDA in 2003, shows no direct improvement in symptoms but is marketed as treatment for chronic dry eye disease. The drug's extensive marketing campaign created a perceived need, driving $8.8 billion in US sales between 2009 and 2015.
SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 2, 2018
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 Aalto University developed a new plasmonic biosensor that detects diseased exosomes with high sensitivity using the naked eye. This breakthrough technology enables rapid recognition of inflammatory bowel diseases, cancer, and other conditions, allowing for timely treatment initiation.
SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 13, 2017
A new compound developed by Sylentis can penetrate the retina to treat age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy with ophthalmic drops. The drug blocks the formation of new blood vessels and has shown efficacy in animal models, offering a promising alternative to painful injections.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·DateDec 12, 2017
A deep learning computing system developed to classify retinal images can detect diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration with high accuracy. The study used 494,661 retinal images from diverse patient populations.
This special issue highlights innovations in MALDI mass spectrometry for characterizing proteomes, detecting analytes, and screening non-covalent binding of small molecules to target proteins. MALDI imaging is used to study diseases and therapeutics, including the distribution of glycosphingolipids in a Gaucher Disease model mouse brain.
SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateNov 28, 2017
A new review article examines the effectiveness of lipid-based products, including liposome lid sprays and emulsion eye drops, in treating dry eye disease. The studies found that these products provide immediate relief of symptoms and improve the structure and stability of the tear film lipid layer.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics·DateNov 21, 2017
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.
The University of Liverpool's Ultra-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (Ultra-OCT) system is developing a state-of-the-art imaging technology to revolutionise the detection, diagnosis, and management of corneal eye conditions. The system boasts a resolution of 2 micrometres and can scan 1,000 times faster than existing OCT machines.
Optic nerve hypoplasia is a leading cause of childhood blindness in developed nations, and researchers have discovered the biological mechanism behind it. The condition affects brain growth during development, particularly with the CASK gene, which helps provide architectural support for neuronal communication.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 16, 2017
Researchers from Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute conducted two clinical trials using human embryonic stem cells to treat dry macular degeneration, a leading cause of new blindness. The studies showed that stem cell injection into the eye replaced damaged cells and improved vision in some patients.
A new neurostimulator device inserted into the nose has shown significant relief for people suffering from dry eyes, increasing tear production and producing a complete tear. Researchers tested 97 patients with moderate to severe dry eye and reported no side effects.
Researchers at UHN's Krembil Research Institute identified LXB4, a unique lipid that protects neurons against glaucoma in preclinical models. This discovery provides hope for devising a new strategy to protect vision in glaucoma patients and may have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.
SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 6, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
A new study warns skiers and snowboarders about the risks of UV exposure to their eyes. The study found that people often miss applying sunscreen to areas around their eyes and eyelids, with serious consequences.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 31, 2017
Scientists have sequenced the genomes of two pumpkin species, Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata, to understand their contrasting desirable traits. The study reveals an interesting evolutionary history, with pumpkins being a paleotetraploid resulting from the combination of two ancient genomes.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalMolecular Plant·DateOct 29, 2017
The study identified a protein called ARF6, which plays a key role in the development of diabetic retinopathy. When inhibited with compound NAV-2729, vessel leakage and blood vessel overgrowth were significantly reduced in diabetic mice.
SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 23, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
The Illinois River's dramatic recovery is attributed to the Clean Water Act, which reduced sewage effluent and improved water quality. As a result, populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and other sportfish have increased dramatically, with catches now exceeding 100-300 fish per hour.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBioScience·DateOct 18, 2017
Scientists have identified distinct neural signatures for explicit and implicit learning, which could guide the development of training techniques to mitigate learning and memory deficits. The findings may also help diagnose Alzheimer's disease at an earlier stage.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateOct 12, 2017
Researchers at Monash University have discovered the presence of regulatory T cells in the retina, a potential target for treating retinopathy of prematurity. The study's findings suggest that boosting these cells may repair damaged blood vessels in the retina, reducing ROP risk.
SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2017
A new study has identified potential lipid biomarkers in human blood plasma associated with age-related macular degeneration, which may lead to earlier diagnoses and better treatment options. The study's findings also suggest that metabolomics profiling may provide novel insights into the relationship between lipids and AMD.
SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalOphthalmology·DateSep 12, 2017
Researchers found that teenage girls and boys with severe antisocial behavior have difficulty recognizing facial expressions, particularly those showing negative emotions. The study suggests that boys with Conduct Disorder may need more comprehensive interventions than girls due to their unique challenges in emotion recognition.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateSep 7, 2017
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.
A new human stem cell model has been developed to study macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. The model, created by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center, mimics key characteristics of the disease and could lead to new avenues of research and potential drug targets.
SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2017
Dr. Richard McIndoe receives $12.8 million grant to continue leading a national research initiative focused on diabetic complications, including nerve and kidney damage, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. The consortium supports short-term studies and summer programs for medical students.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateAug 25, 2017
Researchers conclude that a daily supplement combining antioxidants with zinc and copper is a relatively inexpensive and effective means of halting the progression of degenerative eye disease. The study shows that this treatment could save the NHS nearly £3000 per patient, adding up to around £131 million a year.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateAug 23, 2017
A new study published in PNAS identifies two key compounds that can reduce the severity of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by regulating inflammatory immune cells. The findings have significant therapeutic implications for AMD and other conditions involving angiogenesis and inflammation.
SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers developed a noninvasive eye scan to detect Alzheimer's disease years before symptoms appear, revealing amyloid-beta deposits and toxic proteins in the retina. The findings offer new hope for early detection and disease monitoring, with the potential to intervene and change the course of the disorder.
SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 17, 2017
A new record of the Oriental eye fly transmitting conjunctivitis has been discovered in China. Three new species from the same genus were also identified, adding to the understanding of these disease-causing insects.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateAug 3, 2017
Researchers from Mass Eye and Ear successfully prevented mice from developing retinal angiogenesis using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing techniques. The technique targets VEGFR2, a critical protein responsible for angiogenesis, and showed promising results in preclinical models.
SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2017
A new study suggests that an eye test could be a useful tool in diagnosing Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by assessing the ability of individuals to adapt saccade amplitudes. This test may indicate deficits in the brain's emotional and social development areas, which are often impaired in individuals with ASD.
SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateJul 24, 2017
Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans found that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and its bioactive derivative NPD1 can reduce stroke damage and promote cell survival in the brain. DHA is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, which is disrupted in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 18, 2017
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.
Researchers have found that Ebola virus can persist in specific areas of the body, including the eye, brain, and testes, even after symptoms resolve. This knowledge holds promise for developing medical products to counter the disease in humans.
SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 17, 2017
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered a new class of biochemical triggers called elovanoids, which are derived from omega-3 fatty acids. These molecules play a significant role in protecting retinal pigment epithelial and photoreceptor cells from damage.
SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 2017
Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) who quit smoking experience improvement in symptoms and medication usage within 10 years. The study found that every year without smoking is associated with a statistically significant reduction in symptoms and medication usage.
SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateJul 12, 2017
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.
Dr. McKay's research has shown that l-dopa can delay or prevent macular degeneration in individuals with Parkinson's disease. He will now investigate the role of dopamine signaling pathways in AMD prevention.
SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017
A study found that Swedish optometrists recommend nutritional supplements, dietary changes, and smoking cessation to patients at risk of or with early symptoms of AMD. Optometrists were more likely to provide advice on diet compared to ophthalmologists.
SourceDove Medical Press·JournalClinical Optometry·DateJun 23, 2017
A large international team of researchers has identified genetic abnormalities that are the first definitive risk genes for Tourette Syndrome. The study, which analyzed a sample of 2,400 patients and 4,000 controls, found that variations in copy number at specific genes were associated with an increased risk of developing the disorder.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A study using Neuro Kinetics' I-Portal devices found that a battery of OVRT tests can accurately measure concussion symptoms both initially and during recovery. The study suggests that these tests may be used to monitor subacute concussion recovery and help determine the safest time for patients to return to activities.
SourceNeuro Kinetics, Inc.·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJun 21, 2017
Researchers will develop coral disease forecasting models for Hawai'i, U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef using field work, experimental data, and satellite information. The project aims to identify local environmental stressors increasing disease susceptibility and prioritize management practices.
Sylentis has begun a Phase III clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of SYL1001 in treating dry eye syndrome. The study aims to improve signs and symptoms of the condition, including chronic loss of lubrication and hydration on the ocular surface.
A genetic mutation contributing to childhood blindness has been identified in patients with ocular coloboma, a condition resulting in part of the eye being missing at birth. The study revealed mutations in 10 genes linked to actin activity, affecting eye development.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalHuman Mutation·DateMay 18, 2017
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 at Gladstone Institutes have discovered the key protein CTCF plays a crucial role in controlling DNA organization, reevaluating the cause of certain cancers and developmental defects. The study sheds new light on gene regulation and provides insights into fundamental genome organization processes.
Researchers found that impaired autophagy and lysosomal degradation lead to photoreceptor cell death in CLN5 deficient mice, mirroring human NCL diseases. The study suggests non-invasive retinal examinations could serve as biomarkers for neurological diseases.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 16, 2017
Researchers found that pericyte loss worsens retinal environment and function in mouse models of diabetic retinopathy. Pericytes regulate a molecular pathway associated with vascular stabilization, and their absence accelerates disease progression.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2017
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a painless method to deliver anti-VEGF drugs to the eye, using a cell-penetrating peptide. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), reducing adverse outcomes and healthcare costs.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMay 15, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A nutraceutical called Longevinex has been shown to reduce the time it takes for older eyes to adapt to the dark, predicting future onset of macular degeneration. The study found that 12 out of 14 eyes tested improved or were stable after using Longevinex.
SourceResveratrol Partners LLC, dba LONGEVINEX·DateMay 8, 2017
A clinical trial found that the drug teprotumumab significantly reduces eye bulging, pain, and swelling in patients with moderate-to-severe active thyroid eye disease. The treatment, which blocks an autoimmune attack on muscles around the eyes, showed rapid therapeutic benefits within six weeks of infusions.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 3, 2017