Researchers at UCI have discovered new small-molecule drugs that show promise in treating age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. The treatments, called 'Stress Resilience-Enhancing Drugs,' slow or halt disease progression in animal models.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2023
A team of researchers from UNIGE and Beihang University has identified the FOXI3 gene as responsible for one form of Goldenhar syndrome, a rare congenital disorder. Pathogenic variants in both copies of the FOXI3 gene are necessary for the disease to develop, following an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.
SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateMay 4, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The study reveals that mammals diversified before the K-Pg extinction, driven by continental drifting and stability following the mass extinction. This led to the rich diversity of mammal lineages, including carnivores, primates, and hoofed animals.
Researchers have found a new target and drug combination that appears to stop the destruction of vision in premature newborns. By blocking ACAT1, an enzyme that converts cholesterol into smaller pieces, scientists can prevent the formation of leaky blood vessels and inflammation in the retina.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·DateApr 20, 2023
Cedars-Sinai investigators have discovered a novel way to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and retinitis pigmentosa using human induced pluripotent stem cells. The new approach uses cells derived from iPSCs that are renewable, scalable, and can delay disease progression in rodents.
SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 20, 2023
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.
Researchers genetically engineered neural progenitor cells to release a neuroprotective protein, preventing neuron death in animal models of ALS and retinal disease. Engineered NPCs successfully preserved vision in rats with retinal disease.
SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 20, 2023
A novel gene therapy approach decreases intraocular pressure in pre-clinical models of glaucoma. The treatment uses a viral vector to deliver instructions to cells, producing an enzyme that helps reduce fluid accumulation and pressure. This breakthrough holds promise for patients with glaucoma.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 19, 2023
Researchers have built a new model to examine Usher Syndrome, a leading cause of combined deafness and blindness. The model replicates the visual problems not addressed by previous models, offering insight into strategies for designing therapeutic interventions.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2023
A research team from Université Laval has identified a method to save corneal cells from death using healthy mitochondria, reducing mortality rates from 60% to 10%. This approach demonstrates high therapeutic potential for mitochondrial injection, which could maintain vision without transplantation if diagnosed at an early stage.
SourceUniversité Laval·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 14, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have achieved significant vision recovery in experimental models of damaged retinas using stem cells. The study marks a promising step towards potentially restoring vision in eye diseases characterized by photoreceptor loss.
SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateApr 13, 2023
A team of scientists led by Dr Gerrit Hilgen have won funding to research age-related macular degeneration, a common disease affecting over 190 million people worldwide. The £100,000 award will support the study of human induced pluripotent stem cell models and help develop new treatments for the condition.
A recent study revealed the key to a protein that commonly causes blindness, including its role in transporting toxic compounds out of the eye. Mutations in this protein can cause vision loss in diseases like Stargardt disease, which affects approximately 30,000 people nationwide.
SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023
A team from the National Eye Institute identified Reserpine as a compound that keeps light-sensitive photoreceptors alive in three models of Leber congenital amaurosis type 10, an inherited retinal ciliopathy disease. The study suggests a potential treatment strategy for addressing retinal ciliopathies caused by multiple genes.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to track human aging using retinal scans, which are less expensive and more accurate than other aging clocks. The study found that changes in the eye can provide an actionable evaluation of gero-protective therapeutics, offering a new tool for tracking aging.
SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournaleLife·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 28, 2023
Researchers developed a new form of omega-3 fatty acid DHA that can cross into the retina, increasing retinal DHA content and preserving function. This approach overcomes previous barriers and shows promise for preventing Alzheimer's-related declines in visual function.
SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateMar 27, 2023
A new study suggests that age, not weight, should be used to screen for diabetes, capturing the greatest number of people in all racial and ethnic groups. The approach identifies the greatest proportion of adults with prediabetes and diabetes and maximizes equity across racial and ethnic groups.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Corneal graft rejection can be as high as 10% due to poor patient compliance with medications, which require frequent eyedrop administrations. Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University developed nanoparticles to encapsulate eye medication, decreasing graft rejection while requiring fewer and smaller doses. The approach reversed s...
SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023
Young children with autism spectrum disorder are less likely to undergo vision screening than their peers, despite a high risk of developing serious eye disorders. A recent study found that only 36.5% of children with ASD had completed vision screenings at well visits, compared to 59.5% for children without ASD.
SourceNemours·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2023
Researchers have successfully restored vision in mice with retinitis pigmentosa using a new CRISPR-based genome editing technique. The PE SpRY system corrected genetic mutations and restored normal electrical responses to light, preserving vision into old age. This breakthrough offers potential for treating inherited blindness.
SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023
A meta-analysis of 34 studies found a significant association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased risks of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Children with ASD were more likely to develop these metabolic complications, prompting clinicians to monitor them closely.
SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 10, 2023
Researchers used UK Biobank image and genomic data to uncover insights into rare retinal dystrophies, a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. The study identified new genetic associations with the thickness of photoreceptor cell layers, offering new avenues for research and diagnosis.
SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2023
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 have mapped changes to the retina that correspond to brain changes in Alzheimer's disease patients, opening a path to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments. The study found accumulation of toxic proteins in retinas of patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, causing severe cell degeneration.
SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateMar 3, 2023
UVA scientists have discovered a new contributor to abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye, which could lead to new treatments for macular degeneration and other vision loss conditions. The discovery identifies a key protein that determines VEGF levels, blocking it has reduced VEGF levels significantly without unwanted side effects.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·DateFeb 24, 2023
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University investigated the safety of anti-VEGF drug Aflibercept in a cell culture model exposed to HTLV-1. The study found that treatment did not increase pro-viral load or proliferation of RPE cells, suggesting potential for intraocular use.
SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateFeb 21, 2023
A new nonhuman primate model of Usher syndrome has been confirmed, providing hope for the development of a treatment for this leading cause of blindness-deafness. The model, created using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, exhibits symptoms similar to those experienced by humans with the condition.
SourceOregon Health & Science University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2023
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.
Researchers have discovered a new group of immune cells called NKRM cells that limit immune responses in tissues and prevent autoimmunity. This discovery may lead to new treatments for conditions like Sjogren's Syndrome and chronic inflammatory diseases.
SourceMonash University·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023
A team of researchers discovered that a mutation in the HMGB1 protein causes a rare disorder with severe malformations, suggesting a link between protein droplets and genetic disease. The study's findings could have implications for understanding congenital malformations, common diseases, and cancer.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 2023
Researchers at Virginia Tech aim to understand the role of fatty acid deficiency in optic nerve hypoplasia. A recent grant supports studies on arachidonic acid supplementation as a potential treatment for the disease.
Researchers discover gene therapy ophNdi1 that boosts mitochondrial performance in retinal ganglion cells, potentially treating glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. The therapy shows protective effects in three models of mitochondrial dysfunction.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023
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.
Low blood sugar levels trigger an increase in retinal cell proteins, leading to overgrowth of abnormal blood vessels and worsening diabetic eye disease. The study suggests that keeping glucose levels stable is crucial for preventing vision loss in people with diabetes.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 26, 2023
Researchers have created a technique that enables visualization of the retina and choroid with high resolution at distinct depths, revealing new insights into eye structure. The technology, called STOC-T, makes it possible to image all primary layers of the choroid for the first time.
SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournaliScience·DateJan 19, 2023
Researchers have identified a new genetic risk factor for adult-onset macular degeneration by combining multiple maps. The study reveals that variations in the TRPM1 gene promoter alter LHX2 transcription factor binding, reducing gene activity and increasing disease risk. This finding advances our understanding of AMD's complex pathology.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023
Researcher Dana Hawley found that finches with mild and strong conjunctivitis symptoms spread a pathogen at higher rates than healthy birds. This suggests that pathogens can evolve to cause more harm to their hosts, leading to increased transmission.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 11, 2023
A Canadian study reveals that obesity reprograms immune system cells, making them destructive to the eye as it ages. The research sheds light on the molecular mechanism behind AMD and may lead to tailored treatments in the future.
SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Mount Sinai researchers discovered that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may be caused by two distinct types of deposits in the retina: drusen and subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs). Early intervention with vitamin supplements can slow down drusen formation, while SDDs pose a greater threat to advanced AMD.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEye·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2023
Researchers have successfully grown retinal cells from stem cells that can connect with neighboring cells and transmit sensory information like healthy ones. The breakthrough could lead to human clinical trials to treat degenerative eye disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023
A mouse study found that proteins made by stem cells in mice with dry eye disease may be new targets for treating injuries to the cornea. The researchers identified a key gene, SPARC, that is activated in response to injury in dry eye disease and found higher levels of its protein are associated with better healing.
SourceWashU Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2023
Scientists have created eye tissue using patient stem cells and 3D bioprinting, providing a model for studying the genesis of age-related macular degeneration. The printed tissue exhibited patterns of early AMD, including drusen deposits and progression to late dry stage AMD.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022
Researchers have identified a Vegf-Notch signaling system that enables Muller glial cells to regenerate retinal neurons in zebrafish. This discovery may help understand why the human retina does not regenerate and could inform treatments for blindness.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2022
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.
Scientists discover that visual cells in the human retina may be mechanically transported out of the retina before dying, leading to neurodegeneration. The discovery uses miniature human retinas grown in the laboratory and found that pharmacological agents can prevent extrusion.
SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2022
Researchers explore the interactions between adipose tissues and surrounding blood vessels in connection with lipid metabolism and associated diseases. Targeting angiogenesis may provide a gateway for treating obesity, while its inhibition or promotion depends on the specific disease context.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 22, 2022
Researchers have developed mini eyes, or organoids, from stem cells donated by patients with Usher syndrome. These mini eyes allow scientists to study light-sensing cells and understand the development of blindness in the disease.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022
A new study from Mount Sinai Hospital finds a strong association between age-related macular degeneration and severe forms of heart disease, including heart failure, heart attacks, and stroke. The study highlights the importance of increased screening for eye disorders to diagnose undetected heart disease.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBMJ Open Ophthalmology·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 17, 2022
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.
Researchers identified five genetic variants that progressively increase the risk of becoming nearsighted with more schooling, especially for university-level education. These findings provide new insights into biological pathways causing nearsightedness and its interaction with lifestyle factors.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022
Regular use of cholesterol-lowering and diabetes-control drugs may lessen the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in European populations. The pooled data analysis involved 38,694 participants and showed a 15% lower prevalence of any type of AMD with these medications.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 7, 2022
A large UK Biobank study found that poor quality sleep, including insomnia, short/long sleep duration, snoring, and daytime sleepiness, is associated with a heightened risk of developing glaucoma. The study suggests that targeted screening of high-risk groups and sleep intervention may help prevent the disease.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2022
Scientists discovered the first direct evidence that Stargardt-related ABCA4 gene mutations affect a layer of cells in the eye called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The study suggests a therapeutic strategy for the disease, which currently lacks treatment.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022
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.
Researchers found that increasing arginase 1 availability helps alleviate unhealthy responses and interrupt destructive inflammation in diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. This is achieved by reducing L-arginine levels, which in turn reduces inducible nitric oxide synthase activity.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateOct 12, 2022
NIH scientists mapped the organization of human retinal cell chromatin, revealing insights into regulation of gene expression and retinal function. The study identified distinct patterns of interaction at retinal genes suggesting how chromatin's 3D organization plays a crucial role in tissue-specific gene regulation.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2022
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to assess retinal vasculature, predicting cardiovascular disease and death. The model captured half to two-thirds of circulatory disease deaths in those most at risk, outperforming traditional risk frameworks.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A new smartphone application, DryEyeRhythm, uses cameras to measure blink characteristics and administer questionnaires for diagnosing dry eye disease. The app has been validated in a study, showing high reliability and validity in assessing DED, with promising implications for early diagnosis and treatment.
SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalThe Ocular Surface·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022
Researchers at UCI have made significant progress in precision genome editing for treating inherited retinal diseases, enabling precise gene correction and disease rescue. The study highlights the potential of this technology to revolutionize treatment of genetic disorders of vision, with over 270 causative genes identified.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2022
Researchers have developed a simplified and fast optoretinography approach to measure retinal function, potentially accelerating the development of new treatments for eye diseases. The technique can collect data from three healthy subjects in just ten minutes and has been demonstrated to be reproducible.
A recent study has found that people who wear reusable contact lenses are nearly four times as likely to develop a rare sight-threatening eye infection. The study identified multiple factors that increase the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis, including reusing lenses or wearing them overnight or in the shower.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalOphthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
A team of researchers from Japan successfully reconstructed common brain input signals from the firing rates of neurons using a method called superposed recurrence plot. This breakthrough has significant implications for artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and potential treatments for mental health disorders.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022
Claes H. Dohlman, considered the founder of modern cornea science, is honored with the prestigious Champalimaud Vision Award for his groundbreaking research on corneal physiology and its applications in treating dry eye disease, corneal burns, and keratoprosthesis.
Researchers at the National Eye Institute used adaptive optics to visualize cells across different tissue layers in the eye, revealing dramatic enlargement of RPE cells in people with choroideremia. This discovery may help design effective treatments for this rare genetic disorder.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 13, 2022
A new study from Aarhus University highlights the imbalance in AMD research using young male mice, despite the disease affecting the elderly. The review of 380 scientific articles emphasizes the need for better reporting and guidelines to improve animal testing quality.
SourceAarhus University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 12, 2022
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have developed a new gene therapy approach targeting mitochondrial function to treat dry AMD, a debilitating eye disease. The therapy has shown benefit in multiple models of the condition, offering hope for a potential treatment that could help millions globally.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A new study has partly restored the function of retina's cone receptors in two completely colorblind children using gene therapy. The treatment has been shown to activate previously dormant communication pathways between the retina and brain, drawing on the plastic nature of the developing adolescent brain.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022