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Powerful enzyme that tamps down inflammation holds promise for protecting the eyes in diabetes, premature birth

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

3D map reveals DNA organization within human retina cells

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

DryEyeRhythm: A reliable, valid, and non-invasive app to assess dry eye disease

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

New UCI-led report illustrates potential of precision genome editing in treating inherited retinal diseases

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

Reverse-engineering the brain to decode input signals from output neuron firing

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

A mouse is not just a mouse

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

HKUMed & CityU researchers jointly discover non-invasive stimulation of the eye for depression and dementia

Researchers at HKUMed & CityU discover that transcorneal electrical stimulation can alleviate depression-like symptoms and improve cognitive function in animal models. The technique also induced the expression of genes involved in brain cell growth, offering a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalBrain Stimulation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

Black patients found six times more likely to have advanced vision loss after glaucoma diagnosis than white patients

A new study found that Black patients are six times more likely to have advanced vision loss after a glaucoma diagnosis, highlighting the need for early eye screening in this population. The research analyzed nearly 210,000 participants and used artificial intelligence to identify visual field loss patterns.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 25, 2022

Study finds new links between dogs’ smell and vision

Researchers at Cornell University found connections between the brain's olfactory pathway and visual cortex in dogs, showing that olfaction is integrated with vision in terms of learning about the environment. This study corroborates clinical experiences with blind dogs who function remarkably well despite their condition.

SourceCornell University·JournalJNeurosci·DateJul 18, 2022

PCOS in mothers is linked to increased risk of health problems in their children

Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing infections, allergies, and other childhood illnesses by age 13. The study found that children of mothers with PCOS were 32% more likely to be admitted to hospital for various health problems.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

LSU Health New Orleans develops new human cell line to study blinding eye disorders

The new human cell line, ABC, was developed from retinal pigment epithelial cells and retains their properties, allowing for the study of events relevant to normal repair processes. The research may lead to discoveries in senescence gene programming, neuroprotection, and cellular replacement therapies for blinding eye diseases

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

NUS Medicine researchers discover glaucoma and chronic kidney disease have more in common than what meets the eye

Chronic kidney disease and glaucoma have been found to share common risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension, leading to a higher risk of developing both conditions. The study also reveals that patients with glaucoma are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease over time.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 21, 2022

Eyes a haven for Ebola and other viruses

Researchers found that retinal cells are more susceptible to Ebola virus infection than iris cells, which could lead to uveitis diagnosis and treatment. This discovery highlights the importance of monitoring retinal cells during acute viral infections to identify patients at high risk.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2022

World-first discovery of cornea T cells protecting eyes from viral infections

A groundbreaking study has discovered that the cornea produces a delicate immune response to fight viral infections without damaging vision. Long-living memory T cells have been found patrolling and fighting viral infections in the cornea, upending previous thought on T cell presence in healthy corneas.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

Retinal cell map could advance precise therapies for blinding diseases

A new study maps the distinct differences among cells in the retina's retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which nourishes and supports photoreceptors. The research identifies five subpopulations with varying levels of disease sensitivity, opening doors to more precise cell and gene therapies for specific degenerative eye diseases.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2022

Nothing to cry about: The development of tear duct organoids

Scientists at Osaka University created 3D human stem cell-derived lacrimal gland organoids that mimic the human tear duct. The organoids exhibited organization and branching patterns characteristic of the human lacrimal gland, demonstrating potential as a platform for regenerative therapies for dry eye syndrome.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

High performance microscopy for non-invasive conjunctival goblet cell examination

Conjunctival goblet cells play a crucial role in tear film stability, and their dysfunction is linked to various ocular surface diseases. A new microscopy system allows for non-invasive examination of CGCs in live animal models and humans, enabling precise diagnosis and treatment of ocular surface diseases.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateApr 6, 2022

Disparities in diabetic eye care

A new University of Houston study finds racial and ethnic disparities in diabetic eye care, with Whites more likely to receive regular exams than minorities. The study also reveals that Hispanics have the highest prevalence of diabetic eye complications.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalDiabetes Epidemiology and Management·DateMar 30, 2022