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AI screens for autism in the blink of an eye

Researchers used AI to analyze electroretinogram signals from children's eyes, identifying unique features associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The test, completed within 10 minutes, shows promise for diagnosing ASD more accurately and efficiently than current methods.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 17, 2023

Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists uncover molecular link between wet and dry macular degeneration

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a molecular pathway involving oxidative stress and the protein HIF-1 that contributes to both wet and dry age-related macular degeneration. Researchers found that while HIF-1 promotes blood vessel growth in retinal cells, it also protects against cell death in advanced dry AMD.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2023

Mass Eye and Ear researchers develop potential glaucoma treatment strategy to guide stem cells to the retina

A multidisciplinary team at Mass Eye and Ear has identified a promising new strategy for glaucoma cell replacement therapy by guiding stem cells to the retina. The researchers created RGCs out of stem cells and used chemokines to guide them to their correct positions within the retina.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2023

Sight loss in working-age people is under-researched

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University and University of Oxford highlights the lack of clinical research on severe sight impairment (SSI) among working-age individuals in the UK. The study finds that inherited retinal disorders, such as IRDs, are under-researched despite being a leading cause of SSI certifications in this population.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalClinical Ophthalmology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 2, 2023

Effective treatment for rare sight-threatening infection

A new international clinical trial found that a drug candidate is highly effective in treating Acanthamoeba keratitis with medical cure rates of 87%, reducing the risk of poor visual outcomes and surgery. The treatment, low concentration polihexanide (PHMB 0.08%), follows a novel and evidence-based protocol.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalOphthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2023

Extending annual screen for diabetic eye disease to 2 years for those at ‘low risk’ could risk treatment delays and/or sight loss

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2023

Molecular age of the eye determined for the first time

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

New method for detecting blood circulation problems in brain capillaries

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.

From hagfish to membrane: Modeling age-related macular degeneration

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.

SourceUtah State University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

New imaging technique measures elasticity of multiple eye components simultaneously

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 ...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateSep 12, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans researchers discover a key failure in amd that may lead to progression and vision loss

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.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalExperimental Eye Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023

CityU researchers develop ultra-sensitive photoacoustic microscopy for wide biomedical application potential

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.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2023

Automated medical imaging framework revolutionizes schistosomiasis diagnosis

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.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateAug 7, 2023

Retina cell breakthrough could help treat blindness

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.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalMaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Healing power of light: University of Ottawa team advances clear vision for eye repair

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.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 25, 2023

WVU researchers capture atomic view of synthetic DNA, revealing ‘molecular scissors’ that could treat disease

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.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2023

Low-dose atropine eyedrops no better than placebo for slowing myopia progression

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.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2023