Articles tagged with Eye Diseases
Researchers have developed a novel approach, REVeRT, to efficiently transport large genes using dual AAV vectors at the transcript level. This new method offers increased efficiency, fewer side effects, and greater flexibility compared to existing strategies.
A large data study suggests extending annual screens to 2 years for those at 'low risk' of diabetic eye disease could lead to critical delays in treatment and/or sight loss. The research, based on a diverse database, found that Black people are significantly more likely to develop sight-threatening diabetic eye disease.
Researchers developed a novel 'pseudo cell' formulation using self-healing microcapsule-loading exosomes to treat diverse vitreoretinal diseases. The treatment demonstrated therapeutic benefits in both murine and nonhuman primate models, offering potential for improved patient compliance.
A team of researchers has created a 'proteomic clock' that can predict a healthy person's age based on their protein profile, revealing accelerated aging due to diseases. The study also detected proteins associated with Parkinson's disease in eye fluid, offering a potential pathway for earlier diagnoses.
A retrospective study found that research staff of the same race or ethnicity as patients increased consent rates by 65.1% compared to those of a different race or ethnicity. Employing diverse research teams can improve trust and engagement among potential study participants, according to researchers.
Stanford Medicine researchers developed a technique to measure ocular aging using artificial intelligence, predicting disease triggers and revealing new targets for therapies. The study found that certain proteins accelerate aging in each disease, potentially leading to personalized treatments.
A new UK study finds that people with eating disorders are 2.11 times more likely to report physical multimorbidity. Anxiety, insomnia, and perceived stress are key influencers in this relationship.
Mutations in the EMC1 gene are associated with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), a severe ocular condition. The discovery highlights the pivotal role of EMC1 in retinal blood vessel development via the Wnt signaling pathway.
A recent human study found that grape consumption improved key markers of eye health in older adults, including increased Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) and reduced AGEs. Regular grape intake was also shown to increase plasma antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content.
Brazilian researchers screened 160 existing drugs and identified six compounds effective against Toxoplasma gondii. Almitrine, a COPD treatment, showed significant reduction in brain parasite load. Further studies are needed to repurpose these drugs for toxoplasmosis treatment.
Researchers analyzed UK data to identify patterns of illnesses in individuals leading up to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. High blood pressure, respiratory tract infections, heart conditions, and asthma were commonly observed, suggesting earlier diagnosis may be possible.
A new compound developed at the University of Illinois Chicago potentially offers an alternative to injections for wet age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. The drug targets End Binding-3 and has been shown to reverse damage and promote regenerative processes in animal models.
Researchers identified abnormal keratin expression patterns in senescent ocular surface cells, which may contribute to severe ocular surface diseases. Gene expression profiles showed substantial differences between senescent and non-senescent cells, highlighting their potential role in pathology.
A significant increase in the need for treatment of eye diseases is expected due to the growing elderly population. The number of patients requiring anti-VEGF medication is projected to rise by 50% over the next five years.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism of blindness caused by the lack of CERKL gene, leading to permanent retinal stress and cell death. This discovery opens the door to future treatments based on precision medicine.
Researchers at Moffitt will develop novel targeted alpha-particle therapies for uveal melanoma and other rare melanomas. The grant will fund projects aimed at advancing the therapy's efficacy and personalizing its treatment.
Researchers developed an AI foundation model for eye care that can identify sight-threatening eye diseases and predict general health. The model, RETFound, was trained on millions of eye scans from the NHS and outperforms existing state-of-the-art AI systems across complex clinical tasks.
A team of researchers at Utah State University has successfully created an in vitro model of Bruch's membrane, a layer in the retina that deteriorates with age. The model uses hagfish slime proteins to replicate the natural aging process and disease progression, providing a valuable tool for studying age-related macular degeneration.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique using Bessel beam two-photon microscopy to detect stalling in brain capillaries, which can indicate acute neurological issues. The approach generates clear images of all capillaries every two seconds, providing better temporal resolution and enabling the detection of short stalling events.
A new imaging technique, multifocal acoustic radiation force-based reverberant optical coherence elastography (RevOCE), has been developed to measure the elasticity of multiple eye components simultaneously. This approach offers high resolution measurements of the stiffness of eye structures and could revolutionize how we study ocular ...
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) decreases essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), limiting protective molecule formation and repair potential. The discovery may open new therapeutic avenues for AMD, particularly in females, who are more susceptible to retinal degeneration due to estrogen effects.
A study by Lena Havstam Johansson found that nearly 5% of 70-year-olds had undiagnosed glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve and affects vision. Those with glaucoma reported poorer quality of life due to impaired vision, leading them to avoid social activities and feel frustrated.
A team of UC Irvine scientists discovered a llama-derived antibody called a nanobody that can halt Rhodopsin's misfolding and activation, potentially treating Retinitis Pigmentosa. This breakthrough offers new hope for targeting gene therapies for the condition.
The research team created a multi-spectral, super-low-dose photoacoustic microscopy system with improved sensitivity, enabling new applications and clinical translation. The system achieved up to capillary-level or sub-cellular resolution at greater depths than traditional optical microscopy methods.
Researchers at UCL and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre have developed a gene therapy that significantly reduces hearing loss in mice with Norrie disease. The treatment, which restores the missing norrin protein, has shown improved blood vessel structure and protected sensory hairs in the inner ear.
A study at the University of Gothenburg found that preterm babies given a supplement with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids had improved visual function by age 2.5. The supplement also seemed to improve the brain's ability to interpret visual impressions.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a flexible, human cornea-thin battery that can store electricity from saline solution. The battery could power smart contact lenses with displays and augmented reality capabilities.
Researchers have successfully transplanted human microglia cells into mouse retina, creating a model for studying treatments for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. The study demonstrates the potential of microglial replacement therapy to treat retinal and central nervous system diseases.
A study published in Neurology has identified markers of Parkinson's disease in eye scans, detecting the condition up to seven years before clinical presentation. Researchers used AI-powered analysis of retinal images from two large datasets to uncover subtle changes associated with Parkinson's.
A new study published in BMJ Oncology has found that relatively short-term use of immunosuppressant medications to control inflammatory diseases is not associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. The research included over 10,000 participants and tracked their cancer incidence for an average of 10 years.
Researchers found that rodents exposed to light for the first time in adulthood showed significant plasticity in their brains, challenging previous beliefs about adult brain rigidity. After a month, their brains looked similar to those of healthy controls, with organized visual responses and smaller receptive fields.
A new study found consistent increases in premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) death and disability due to particulate matter air pollution globally. The analysis, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, revealed a 8.1% rise in age-standardized CVD deaths attributed to outdoor PM pollution between 1990 and 2019.
Researchers demonstrate the potential of optical imaging for safely measuring vocal fold elasticity and pliability. The study found good agreement between Brillouin microspectroscopy results and conventional elasticity measurements.
Researchers developed an innovative optical tool, the Schistoscope, to capture microscopy images of urine samples for efficient detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. A two-stage diagnostic framework using deep learning accurately identified and counted eggs in field settings with high sensitivity, specificity, and precision.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that vision problems are more common in older adults with dementia. The study of nearly 3,000 older adults showed that even mild vision issues were associated with a higher risk of dementia.
Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University have successfully grown retinal pigment epithelial cells on a nanofibre scaffold treated with fluocinolone acetonide, showing increased resilience and growth. This breakthrough technology has great potential for developing ocular tissue transplantation to treat age-related macular degeneration.
The American Heart Association has funded seven new scientific research projects to explore the connection between migraines, strokes, and cardiovascular disease. The studies will analyze existing datasets using machine learning and aim to create a collaborative group of experts to uncover the causes of increased risk.
The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, reveals a novel light-activated material that can be used to effectively reshape and thicken damaged corneal tissue, promoting healing and recovery for patients with keratoconus. The technology has tremendous potential to impact millions of people suffering from corneal diseases.
Researchers at WVU have developed a way to view synthetic DNA at the atomic level, enabling them to understand how to change its structure for enhanced scissor-like function. This breakthrough could lead to new technology for medical diagnoses and treatments, including potential therapies for diseases like retinal degeneration and cancer.
University of Melbourne researchers have discovered that T cells patrol the human eye, protecting it from pathogens and inflammation. The study uses a new imaging technique to capture dynamic behavior of these cells in response to different stimuli.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have identified two disease-associated changes to the cornea in diabetes patients that delay wound healing. The study proposes three therapeutic pathways that reversed these changes and partially restored wound-healing function, offering new potential treatments for diabetes.
Researchers will explore characteristics of misplaced calcifications in eyes and brains, and their roles in AMD and AD. The team aims to examine calcifications at multiple levels, from atomic structures to aggregated morphologies, and their accumulation in cells and animals.
A national estimate suggests that 795,000 Americans die or are permanently disabled by diagnostic error each year. The top causes of serious harm include stroke, sepsis, and pneumonia.
A randomized controlled trial funded by NIH found low-dose atropine eyedrops to be no better than placebo in slowing myopia progression among US children. The study contradicts previous East Asian trials that showed a benefit from 0.01% atropine. Further research is needed to identify an optimal approach for preventing high myopia.
A team of scientists at Harvard Medical School has identified six chemical cocktails that can restore cellular aging and rejuvenate human cells. The study builds upon the discovery of Yamanaka factors, which can convert adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, raising hopes for treating age-related diseases and injuries. The im...
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered that an experimental eye drop treatment can reduce swelling and improve blood flow in the retina of mice with retinal vein occlusion, a common eye disease affecting up to 2% of people over age 40. The study found that the eye drops prevented neurons from deteriora...
A new method reveals intricate behaviors of micron-sized particles in real, artificial tears, allowing for customization of eye drops. The study aims to alleviate dry eye syndrome by providing personalized solutions with tailored formulations and characteristics.
A new database linking RNA editing to blood cell differentiation has been established, providing a platform to accelerate research on leukemia and other pathologies. The REDH database includes detailed information on RNA editing sites in healthy and malignant hematopoietic cells.
A new study by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that an orally administered probiotic bacterial strain improved dry eye disease in an animal model. The probiotic, Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM17938, enhanced corneal health and increased goblet cell production in the eyes, suggesting potential treatment benefits.
Researchers found a significant correlation between vitreous humor biomarkers and pathologically confirmed cases of Alzheimer's disease and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Biomarkers in the vitreous humor may serve as a proxy for neuropathological disease, offering potential early diagnosis and prognostication.
In 2021, 9.6 million Americans had diabetic retinopathy and 1.84 million had vision-threatening forms. The number of people living with diabetes-related eye disease has grown since the last prevalence estimate in 2004.
Researchers developed an innovative imaging approach using two-photon microscopy to analyze retinal microcirculation, revealing significant changes in blood flow that may indicate brain diseases. The study suggests that microcirculation in the retina could serve as a promising predictor of cerebrovascular diseases.
A retrospective analysis of national data found that over 20 million Americans experienced loss of smell or taste after COVID infection, with a large portion never fully recovering these senses. The study estimated that almost 28 million Americans may be left with decreased sense of smell after COVID infection.
Researchers achieve 3D printing within mini-organs growing in hydrogels, allowing for precise control over shape, activity, and tissue growth. This breakthrough enables the creation of realistic models of organs and disease, with potential applications in cancer research and treatment.
Researchers developed Eye2Gene, an AI system that accurately identifies genetic causes of inherited retinal diseases from retinal scans. The system achieved higher accuracy than human experts in identifying causative genes, with a ranking score above 70% in over 70% of cases.
A new study by Flinders University research team led by Professor Justine Smith has found that women are more likely to experience recurrent cases of toxoplasmosis eye disease. The study also revealed significant differences in the type and characteristics of the disease between men and women.
Researchers developed an experimental drug, 32-134D, that inhibits HIF protein levels, reducing blood vessel production and leakiness in diabetic eyes. The study shows promising results in both human cell models and mice, suggesting a safer therapeutic approach for diabetic eye disease.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that people with sight loss in the UK are confused by a 'disjointed' certification system, creating barriers to accessing support and benefits. The research highlights inconsistencies in the process, long waiting lists, and lack of clarity around entitlements.
Researchers used AI models to predict effective peptide sequences for safe drug delivery in eye cells, promising new treatments for glaucoma and macular degeneration. The model accurately predicted a peptide sequence that bound to melanin, releasing medications over several weeks.
A patient in Cleveland was diagnosed with a corneal ulcer caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a drug-resistant bacterium that's rarely found in eye infections. The contaminated eye drops were identified as the source of infection, and treatment required strong antibiotics to prevent vision loss.