Researchers developed a gene therapy that restored useful vision to most patients with Leber congenital amaurosis type I, a rare inherited blindness. The treatment showed a 10,000-fold improvement in light sensitivity and improved navigation abilities in patients who received the highest dose.
A Phase 1/2 clinical trial found significant vision improvements in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare inherited condition causing early childhood blindness. The gene therapy, ATSN-101, demonstrated efficacy in correcting genetic mutations and restoring vision for up to 12 months.
A clinical trial led by UC San Francisco aims to develop new therapies for progressive supranuclear palsy, with a focus on reducing time to find effective treatments and increasing diverse participant enrollment. The five-year grant could lead to the first effective drugs for this incurable neurodegenerative disorder.
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new imaging device that combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) with traditional otoscopy improves diagnostic capabilities for hearing clinics. The integrated device provides detailed views of the eardrum and middle ear, enabling more accurate diagnoses and treatment.
Scientists at the University of Augsburg have found that macrophages, also known as scavenger cells, form in the vitreous body of the mouse eye during embryonic development. This new understanding could lead to therapies for diseases like diabetic retinopathy and prenatal vessel defects.
Researchers found that children's immune systems attacked their own tissues after latching onto a coronavirus protein resembling one found in multiple organs. Early intervention was crucial to prevent death in these cases, and the study has implications for understanding other autoimmune diseases.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open demonstrated the effectiveness of AI in detecting myopia, strabismus, and ptosis using smartphone images. This technology has the potential to facilitate early detection of pediatric eye diseases in a convenient and accessible manner.
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A study funded by the National Eye Institute found that 6.5 million Medicaid enrollees lacked routine adult eye exam coverage, while 14.6 million had no eyeglasses coverage. State-level variation in coverage policies and copays hindered access to essential eye care services.
Researchers genetically engineered Toxoplasma gondii to produce and release therapeutic proteins in the human brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The method has potential implications for treating diseases caused by protein deficiencies or abnormal expression.
Researchers study T cells and monocytes interaction in the meninges before they attack the brain and spinal cord, potentially leading to new disease progression targets. The findings could provide a pathway to treating other neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers developed a preclinical model that shows knocking out VPS35 leads to alpha-synuclein aggregate accumulation, similar to human Parkinson's. The study also discovered a potential new strategy for detecting the disease using autofluorescence technology.
A combination treatment incorporating three drugs – tamsulosin, metoprolol, and bromocriptine – significantly slowed disease progression in four different animal models of IRD. The study suggests that drug repurposing could provide solutions for rare diseases like retinal degenerations, which are currently inaccessible therapeutically.
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A new genetic test has identified a mutation causing progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in English Shepherd Dogs, allowing breeders to eliminate the disease from their population. The test is available for purchase and will help prevent the disease from being passed on to puppies.
Researchers at UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital have identified biomarkers that predict which patients with glaucoma are at higher risk of continued vision loss despite conventional treatment. Mitochondrial function in white blood cells is lower in people with glaucoma, leading to faster vision loss.
A study found that both short and long sleep durations are associated with a higher risk of microvascular disease in individuals recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Short sleep duration, especially among older adults, was linked to a significantly increased risk of blood vessel damage.
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers have identified early changes in AMD patients that lead to measurable local vision loss. The study's findings could help improve treatment and monitoring of the disease, enabling new therapies and improved treatments for central blindness.
Researchers discuss the critical role of the retinal pigmented epithelium in human vision and its susceptibility to aging. The study highlights the importance of understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms driving age-related pathological changes in vision decline.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University will test a possible breakthrough drug for inherited retinal disease, which may prevent blindness in patients with various genetic mutations. The study aims to advance the technology to FDA-regulated clinical trials and potentially expand the application of the Bax-inhibiting therapeutic.
Scientists have mapped over 5,000 genetic variants in the 'tumour protection' gene BAP1 that significantly increase cancer risk. These variants can be used to develop new treatments, including IGF-1 inhibitors, to slow down or prevent cancer progression.
A new study found that patients prescribed semaglutide for diabetes or weight loss have a higher risk of developing NAION, a potentially blinding eye condition. The study revealed a significant risk increase in diabetic and overweight/obesity patients taking semaglutide.
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The article reviews recent advances in applying artificial intelligence to oncology, showcasing promising improvements in cancer care. The authors emphasize the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, rigorous validation, and ethical principles to harness AI's potential.
A new photodynamic therapy method has been shown to effectively eradicate ocular melanoma in mice, with the technique delivering two photons and minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The approach offers a promising alternative to current treatments that are often ineffective or invasive.
A new AI model has been developed to improve clinical trial recruitment for eye disease, specifically Geographic Atrophy. The system identified almost twice as many candidates and with higher precision compared to conventional approaches, showing promise for overcoming a major obstacle in GA clinical trials.
Researchers have developed a new treatment for diabetic retinopathy that addresses the root cause of the disease, preventing progression and potential blindness. The anti-ceramide immunotherapy has been shown to be effective in animal and cell culture models, offering a safer alternative to current treatments.
Researchers find that a repurposed drug, crizanlizumab, stabilizes vision in patients with retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukoencephalopathy and systemic manifestations (RVCL-S) after two years of treatment. The study suggests that this may give patients additional years to read, drive, and enjoy activities.
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Researchers found that mono-canalicular Lacrijet stent insertion is a safe and effective treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children, with success rates unaffected by age or previous failed probing. The study suggests early assessments and stenting as an option for pediatric epiphora management.
Researchers developed a custom-built robot system to treat wet neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), administering radiation followed by injections. The treatment reduced the number of injections needed by about a quarter, potentially saving around 1.8 million injections per year worldwide.
A study analyzing pooled clinical trial data found that teprotumumab maintained improvements in signs and symptoms of thyroid eye disease in most patients after 51 weeks. Nearly two years after the final infusion, 82% of patients did not require further treatment.
Researchers developed DiFC, a two-color diffuse flow cytometry system that detects rare cancer cells in the bloodstream without invasive methods. The technology provides insights into cancer progression and response to treatments by studying different subpopulations of cancer cells simultaneously.
A team of scientists developed a method to quickly measure the frequency characteristics of photoreceptors' response to flicker stimulation, allowing for faster diagnosis of visual disorders. The new technique, called f-ORG, reduces the time required to conduct experiments and analyze data.
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Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A study found that patients with thyroid eye disease who received teprotumumab infusions maintained efficacy 51 weeks after treatment. Nearly two years later, 82% of patients did not require additional treatment for their condition.
Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered a new RNA virus, Apocryptovirus odysseus, associated with severe inflammation in humans infected with Toxoplasma gondii. The virus is found in two hypervirulent strains of the parasite, exacerbating toxoplasmosis disease and triggering an immune response.
A new study has mapped priorities for UK eye care research, highlighting conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration as key areas of focus. The survey involved 2,240 healthcare professionals and patients, revealing opportunities for improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
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A new, inexpensive test detects Toxoplasma gondii infections within 30 minutes and identifies false positives in commercial diagnostic tests. The test provides rapid results for pregnant women, facilitating timely interventions to protect fetuses against toxoplasmosis.
Researchers at University of California - San Francisco discovered a new type of neuron that guides the formation of intricate 3D lattices of blood vessels in the retina. These perivascular neurons produce PIEZO2 protein to sense nearby cells and direct the lattice's growth.
Researchers investigated the biological repercussions of UV-C radiation exposure from readily available domestic lamps and found that even brief exposure can lead to irreversible alterations in skin cells and retinal cells. The study highlights the need to prioritize safe utilization of these lamps to prevent potential harm.
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A team of researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed a novel kind of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to investigate the detailed structure of the sclera in living patients. They found that the sclera is divided into inner and outer layers with different structural arrangements, which can provide important insight...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used genetically engineered mice to study the mechanism of congenital stationary night blindness. The findings demonstrate that a mutation in the rhodopsin gene produces unusual background electrical activity, desensitizing rods and causing poor vision in low-light settings.
A new soft multi-electrode system for electroretinography has been developed to overcome the limitations of traditional devices. The system uses a commercially available soft disposable contact lens with gold mesh electrodes, allowing for simultaneous measurement of electrical potentials from different regions of the retina. This innov...
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers have developed a prototype 'smart' contact lens that measures eye pressure accurately, regardless of temperature. The dual-circuit design removes temperature-related errors, enabling early detection and monitoring of glaucoma.
A new NIH grant will investigate biological processes that contribute to defects in immune response in the eyes of those with diabetes. Researchers aim to understand why diabetic patients are more susceptible to corneal infections and identify methods to reverse these effects.
A pioneering CRISPR gene editing trial has demonstrated significant improvement in vision for 79% of participants with inherited retinal degeneration. The study's findings support further research into the potential of CRISPR-based treatments for inherited blindness.
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A phase 1/2 trial of CRISPR gene editing has demonstrated safety and efficacy, with measurable improvements in 11 out of 14 participants with a form of inherited blindness. The treatment, EDIT-101, was found to be clinically meaningful for four participants and showed significant improvements in cone-mediated vision.
Researchers at MCG's Vascular Biology Center have identified a new treatment target for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. Targeting the adenosine receptor 2A (Adora2a) may block excessive blood vessel growth and fibrosis, potentially offering a more efficient treatment than current therapies.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham have identified Th2-multipotent progenitor (Th2-MPP) cells, which may play a crucial role in sustaining type 2 inflammation and contribute to disease symptoms. These findings provide potential targets for therapeutic interventions and lay the groundwork for future disease-modifying approaches.
Researchers from Bonn, Berlin, Münster, and Mannheim provide an overview of an underestimated imaging technique that supports the diagnosis and monitoring of posterior uveitis and panuveitis. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a fast and non-invasive method for imaging the fundus of the eye, providing indications of active inflammation.
A deep learning tool has been developed to reliably diagnose moon blindness in horses based on photos, with a high accuracy rate of 93%. The tool supports veterinary doctors in making diagnoses, particularly valuable for less experienced professionals or horse owners in regions with limited vets.
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Researchers have identified CAR-T cell therapy as a potential treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Early studies have shown promising results in reducing disease activity and improving patients' quality of life, but long-term data on safety and efficacy is limited.
A study led by the University of Cambridge found that AI models like GPT-4 outperformed doctors in diagnosing and treating eye problems. The researchers suggest using AI for triaging patients and providing advice in well-controlled contexts, where access to specialist healthcare professionals is limited.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered how to overcome resistance to conventional immunotherapies in metastatic uveal melanoma. They developed a clinical tool called Uveal Melanoma Immunogenic Score (UMIS) to predict patient response and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at NIH developed a novel AI-based method called P-GAN to improve next-generation imaging of cells in the retina. The technique reduces imaging acquisition and processing time by 100-fold, yielding greater contrast and improving image quality.
A groundbreaking study reveals that targeting cholesterol metabolism can mitigate Zika virus-induced ocular pathology, offering promising therapeutic strategies. Researchers identified ABCG1 and SREBP-2 as key players in the pathway, and treatments with LXR agonists or SREBP-2 inhibitors showed promise in animal models.
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The study found that Streptococcus and Pedobacter bacteria species were present in healthy eyes, while more Acinetobacter species were found in dry eye samples. This knowledge could lead to improved treatments for various eye problems and diseases affecting the gut microbiome.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered that the ALG6 variant is associated with altered phenotypes in patients with RP59, including delayed peripheral rod degeneration and diminished macular cone photoreceptor health. This study highlights the complex effects of modifier genes in human genetic disease.
Researchers at Purdue University are developing patent-pending smart soft contact lenses that can continuously monitor or treat chronic ocular diseases like glaucoma, corneal neovascularization and dry eye syndromes. The $6.7 million funding from the National Eye Institute will be used to refine the lenses and conduct clinical trials.
A novel approach estimates metabolic activity and infers blood glucose levels from near-infrared measurements in commercial smartphones and smartwatches. The phase delay between oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin signals closely relates to oxygen consumption during cardiac cycles, serving as a gauge for metabolism.
Children with amblyopia are more likely to experience hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in adulthood. The study found a correlation between amblyopia and increased risk of heart attack, even when other risk factors were taken into account.
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A new study finds that gut bacteria can cause blindness in some inherited eye diseases by breaching the body's defenses. Treating these bacteria with antimicrobials may prevent sight loss, offering a potential new approach to treatment.
The study reveals a significant prevalence of refractive error in African American adults, affecting their quality of life and work productivity. Providing universal vision care coverage can reduce this burden by over two-thirds, improving lives and increasing economic opportunities.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests that artificial intelligence can match or exceed the expertise of seasoned ophthalmic specialists in diagnosing and treating patients with glaucoma and retina disorders. The AI system, GPT-4, demonstrated superior performance in response to glaucoma questions and case-management advice.