Articles tagged with Eye Diseases
Researchers have designed a new genetic weapon called ribozymes to treat inherited human blindness by slowing the progression of retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment targets the autosomal-dominant form of the disease and has shown significant protection of eye cells in lab rats.
A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that proteins fold through a series of pre-determined, intermediate arrangements. This process allows proteins to correct mistakes quickly and prevent aggregation, which is crucial in fighting diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to slow down neurodegeneration in an animal model, offering hope for treatments of autosomal dominant disorders. The approach involves using ribozymes to destroy faulty messenger RNA, potentially treating conditions like Huntington's disease and ALS.
Researchers have found that the ATM protein, mutated in A-T, acts as a key regulator of cell division after DNA damage, leading to increased cancer risk. The study provides new insights into how cells form tumors and may lead to new treatments for A-T and other neurological disorders.
Researchers have successfully released nerve growth factor (NGF) via pea-sized pellets implanted in test animal brains, which showed improved health. This breakthrough treatment could potentially help treat Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
Researchers at Oregon Health Sciences University have identified a genetic cause for age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the US. A large family study revealed a specific gene location on chromosome 1q25-q31, offering hope for future treatments and preventative measures.
A gene defect has been identified as causing a form of hereditary blindness, retinitis pigmentosa. The discovery links the disease to a malfunction of the cytoskeleton, which forms the skeleton of cells and affects internal transport and cell division.
Researchers have found that acyclovir significantly reduces the number of recurrences of ocular herpes disease, a condition affecting 400,000 Americans each year. The study identified patients who would benefit most from long-term acyclovir treatment and showed the drug has few side effects.
A University of Florida neuroscientist has discovered a mutant gene in chickens that helps researchers better understand a rare human eye disease called Leber's congenital amaurosis type I. The chicken model is being used to develop a form of gene therapy for treating the disease, which affects 100,000 to 200,000 people worldwide.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have discovered two proteins, CRY1 and CRY2, which help regulate circadian rhythms. These proteins were found in layers of the retina not involved in forming visual images, and their presence may help set the daily clock from sites in skin cells.
Researchers have discovered a new light-sensitive pigment called cryptochrome, which controls the circadian rhythm in mammals, regulating bodily functions such as body temperature and blood pressure. The discovery may lead to better treatment for depression and reduce accidents during late-night shifts.
The Rockefeller study aims to identify genetic causes of early- and late-onset type 2 diabetes to develop better diagnostic tools and improved drug therapies. The researchers seek individuals with type 2 diabetes and at least one affected family member to participate in the study.
University of Iowa researchers have shed light on the mysteries of metastasis by studying uveal melanoma, a potentially blinding and fatal form of cancer. They found that abnormal proteins respond to hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor, attracting blood vessels and causing cancer cells to spread.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a genetic correlation between dog blindness and a similar human disease, potentially leading to new treatments for human eye disorders. The study identifies the canine version of the human RP17 gene defect, which could lead to gene therapy methods for both dogs and humans.
Researchers at TSRI uncover a natural mechanism that regulates angiogenesis, a process involved in cancer growth. A recombinant protein fragment, PEX, is developed to block angiogenesis and tumor growth in an experimental model, offering a potentially novel therapeutic approach.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that urban development in Florida is increasing the spread of Upper Respiratory Tract Disease among gopher tortoises. The disease destroys respiratory and olfactory senses, leading to malnutrition and starvation.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a non-invasive gamma knife treatment that shows comparable results to surgery in alleviating Parkinson's disease symptoms. The treatment uses high doses of radiation to destroy targeted areas of the brain, potentially offering an alternative to traditional surgical options.
A new study by the University of Georgia has found a significant increase in disease incidence among Florida's coral reefs, with 211% more coral species affected. The researchers are stymied in understanding the causes of these devastating losses, which threaten the entire reef ecosystem.
Researchers found that combining ganciclovir eye implants with oral ganciclovir reduces the risk of new CMV disease, Kaposi's sarcoma, and extraocular complications in AIDS patients. The study also showed a delay in median survival time among those receiving combined therapy.
Research suggests that aging has a modest impact on sensory perception, particularly smell, taste, and touch. Most older adults can detect scents and flavors similar to those of younger individuals.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new gold-DNA probe technique that offers high accuracy and speed in detecting genetic and pathogenic diseases. The method uses gold nanoparticles combined with oligonucleotides to detect specific genes linked to diseases, eliminating the need for radioactive materials.
Researchers have identified the TSC2 gene as the second gene responsible for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder affecting 1 million people worldwide. The discovery of this gene brings hope for diagnostic testing, therapies, and improved understanding of autism and seizure disorders.
Researchers discovered a growth hormone antagonist that reduces eye disease by 33-44% in mice. The findings suggest the use of this antagonist or a drug inhibiting growth hormone release may help prevent retinal neovascularization and treat related eye diseases.
A study by Harvard Medical School reveals that growth hormone blocks the formation of new retinal blood vessels, which can cause blindness. The findings suggest new treatments may prevent blindness related to this condition.
A new laser technique called photodynamic therapy appears to prevent further vision loss in people with the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. The treatment uses a red laser light to activate a toxic form of oxygen that stops abnormal blood vessel growth, potentially confining scar tissue and preventing vision loss.
Researchers have discovered a key role for the TIGR protein in non-hereditary forms of glaucoma, which may lead to novel diagnostic tools and treatments. The study found that exposure to steroid drugs or oxidative stress increased TIGR protein production, contributing to elevated intraocular pressure.
Sarcoidosis is a mysterious disease affecting 30 people per 100,000 in the US, characterized by granulomas and inflammation. New research suggests shared environmental exposure may lead to the disease, which often affects young adults and has no cure.
A groundbreaking study has identified a gene responsible for primary congenital glaucoma, a condition affecting 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 10,000 births. The discovery holds promise for early diagnosis and treatment, potentially preventing blindness, with the potential to be applied to adult-onset primary open angle glaucoma.
Researchers have found that cidofovir, a new antiviral drug, can slow the progression of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, a common cause of vision loss and blindness in AIDS patients. The study showed that both low and high doses of the drug were effective, allowing for less frequent treatment compared to traditional options.
Researchers have created genetically modified nematodes with human genes linked to Alzheimer's disease, sparking the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in their muscle cells. The study aims to speed up the search for drugs to treat the disease by identifying potential treatments using these unique 'dual-transgenic' worms.
New research suggests that Lewy bodies may entrap life-sustaining cellular organelles, leading to neuronal death in diseases such as Parkinson's and ALS. The study provides a potential strategy for developing treatments by targeting the formation or elimination of Lewy bodies.
Scientists have developed spectral karyotyping, a powerful new way to visualize human chromosomes in a full-color palette. This technique allows for easy examination of chromosome changes that could lead to disease, such as missing or extra pieces, and can be used to identify chromosomal abnormalities linked to disease progression.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease carried by rats, poses a significant risk to urban residents in the US. Studies have shown that up to 10% of infected individuals develop severe Weil's disease, which can be fatal.
Researchers identify a gene on chromosome 4 as a potential cause of Parkinson's disease, shedding light on the mysterious origins of this debilitating condition. The discovery may lead to genetic testing, early diagnosis, and treatment options for all forms of Parkinson's disease.
Two Duke University studies suggest that diabetics with severe coronary artery disease do equally well if they receive either angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery. The studies recommend considering factors other than diabetes when choosing a treatment.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Medical School have identified genes for two devastating genetic disorders affecting abnormal pigmentation, including Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and Chediak-Higashi syndrome. The discoveries may pave the way for genetic testing to identify patients and carriers, as well as new areas of biology.
Scientists have developed a new vaccine that uses an anti-idiotype antibody to stimulate the immune system and prevent Chlamydia trachomatis infections, which affect 700 million people worldwide. The vaccine was effective in animal experiments and may be available for humans with further development.
Researchers at NIAID have determined the entire genetic sequence of molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), which causes persistent and sometimes disfiguring skin lesions in HIV-infected individuals. The complete DNA sequence will enable testing of drugs against MCV genes and studying how the virus evades immune responses.
Scientists have developed a powerful new way to visualize the full set of human chromosomes using spectral karyotyping, which translates computer-gathered light waves into a full-color palette. This technique enables easy examination of chromosome changes that could lead to disease, such as missing or extra pieces.
Researchers have protected growing brain cells from atrophying by treating them with a protein called NT-4, which fosters brain cell growth. This discovery could offer new treatment options for diseases involving gain or loss of brain cell connections, such as mental retardation and neurodegenerative diseases.