A comprehensive study investigates the metabolism of four drugs in rabbit eyes, revealing different enzyme profiles from liver metabolism. The findings provide valuable information for advancing ophthalmic drug development.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateJan 28, 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 at UCI discovered that AdipoR1 protein deficiency leads to ceramide accumulation in the retina, causing progressive photoreceptor cell death. A pharmacological treatment combining desipramine and L-cycloserine reduced ceramide levels, protecting photoreceptors and improving vision.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJCI Insight·DateJan 26, 2022
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new retinal transplant technique by engineering human-derived retina sheets to lose bipolar cells, allowing better connections to host retinas and improved responses to light. The technique has shown substantial functional improvement in animal studies and is now poised for human clinical trials.
A new AI-based method has been developed to evaluate patients with Stargardt disease, a leading cause of childhood blindness. The study found that the severity of vision loss can be classified into different phenotypes based on genetic variants, and provided sensitive structural outcome measures for therapeutic trials.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022
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.
Researchers found that a third of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration can safely stop eye injection therapy without further vision loss. Patients who stopped treatment showed better visual acuity, gain of vision, and less fluid in their retina compared to those requiring continued injections.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 18, 2022
A study published in Nutrients found that consuming a small serving of dried goji berries five times a week for 90 days increased lutein and zeaxanthin levels in healthy participants' eyes. This increase provides antioxidant protection and filters out harmful blue light, potentially delaying age-related vision loss.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 13, 2022
Researchers led by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski create two-photon excited fluorescence scanning laser ophthalmoscope (TPEF-SLO) to observe molecules supporting visual pigments in retinal cells in real-time. The device allows for non-invasive assessment of metabolic processes and biochemical markers, leading to new insights into eye diseases.
SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 12, 2022
Researchers at WVU are studying the Musashi proteins to understand their role in retinal degeneration and develop a universal therapy. By investigating protein translation and gene suppression, they hope to identify potential pathways to boost protein production and slow vision loss.
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers developed a color-coded test that quickly signals whether medical nanoparticles deliver their cargo into target cells. The tool, tested in mouse cells and living mice, assesses nanoparticle formulations on their ability to escape cellular defenses and reach the cell's interior.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 5, 2022
Patients with eye conditions from racial minority groups report feeling less respected by healthcare professionals compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. The study highlights the importance of addressing cultural disparities in healthcare settings.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 16, 2021
Researchers developed a dish-based model that replicates the characteristics of dry age-related macular degeneration, allowing them to screen over 1,200 drugs for their ability to slow or halt disease progression. Two drugs, Aminocaproic acid and L745, showed promise in inhibiting key phenotypes associated with AMD.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
Researchers are exploring how an engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV) can compensate for missing protein or swap out genetic mutations that cause vision problems. AAV has been found to be beneficial and is being used as a tool to deliver genes that work as they should.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The Nixon Visions Foundation has given a significant gift to support studies of the PRPH2 gene linked to macular dystrophy and boost stem cell research aimed at developing early diagnosis and a cure for this devastating genetic eye disease. Researchers hope to make a tremendous impact on people with this inherited eye disease.
A NIH study has identified a molecular link between a gene mutation and late-onset retinal degeneration, a rare eye disease. The researchers found that the diabetes drug metformin and gene therapy may be effective treatments for the condition, which can cause abnormal blood vessel growth and deposits of apolipoprotein E.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021
A study led by LSU Health found how late-onset retinal degeneration develops and identified a surprising potential therapeutic, metformin. The research suggests that an enzyme called AMPK activates the protein CTRP5 to regulate fatty acid metabolism and energy stability.
SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021
Researchers found immune cells in lens trying to fix damage and responding to long-lasting inflammation. Immune cells integrate into lens capsule, increasing invasion with disease progression, contradicting decades of scientific understanding.
SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021
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 created a disease map of genes involved in eye disorders, shedding light on how individual cells respond to external factors like injury. The study paves the way for regenerative medicine and cell replacement therapies for eye diseases.
SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2021
Researchers found that subjects who underwent cataract surgery had a nearly 30% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not. The results persisted for at least a decade after surgery and were associated with lower risk of Alzheimer disease dementia specifically.
SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2021
The HyVIS project is a four-year European initiative that will develop bionic synapses for retinal prostheses, exploiting residual neuronal functionality to restore sensitivity to light. The approach involves plasmonic nanocannals and intelligent polymers to release neurotransmitters in response to light stimuli.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021
Duke researchers developed a method to increase the depth of view of optical coherence tomography (OCT), allowing for clear images from beyond a millimeter beneath the skin's surface. The new technique, known as dual-axis OCT, tilts the light source and detector to collect more scattered light from deep tissues.
SourceDuke University·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers genetically mapped the cell types of the mouse iris, revealing four new cell types and mapping genetic changes that occur when the iris dilates. This research may help connect genetic similarities between mice and humans, offering clues for developing new diagnostic tests and treatments for eye diseases.
Researchers found that three minutes of morning exposure to 670nm deep red light improved color contrast vision by 17% and the effects lasted for at least a week. The study built on previous findings that daily longwave deep red light exposure boosts energy-producing mitochondria cells in the retina.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2021
Researchers found that CD146 expression is linked to retinal neovascularization in laser-induced CNV models. Anti-CD146 therapy showed promise in reducing neovascularization and improving vision outcomes.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateNov 15, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers at West Virginia University have received FDA approval for a new drug to treat uveal melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer. The drug, MTI-201, targets specific biomarkers in diseased cells, allowing for more precise treatment with minimal damage to healthy cells.
Researchers have discovered that a low-dose oral compound, HBI-002, can safely reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the retina, common causes of diabetic retinopathy. The study suggests that small amounts of carbon monoxide may help protect vision in diabetes patients.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateNov 4, 2021
A seven-year study by CooperVision indicates that MiSight 1 day contact lenses slow myopia progression without a rebound effect, even after treatment cessation. The lenses demonstrate sustained slowing of myopia progression across different ages and with varying levels of myopia.
SourceMcDougall Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 2, 2021
A new analysis finds that 67 million US adults identify as disabled, with significant disparities among different socioeconomic and demographic groups. The study highlights the need for accurate data on disability to inform effective policies and solutions.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 1, 2021
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed a non-invasive imaging technique using blue light to identify areas affected by diabetic retinopathy. The study found that blue images obtained through multicolor widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) can reveal hyporeflective areas indicative of damage associa...
SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology·DateOct 28, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A new rapid screening test for glaucoma uses infra-red sensors to monitor eye movement, providing accurate results within seconds. The test could help advance early detection of the disease, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and make it more accessible for national screening programs.
SourceRMIT University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2021
A new study based on data from SWAN found a significant longitudinal association between mild and moderate to severe vision impairment and subsequent depressive symptoms in midlife women. Early identification and correction of vision problems are crucial for preserving mental and physical health.
SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2021
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has significant growth potential across various medical applications, including cardiology and dermatology. Miniaturized OCT systems are expected to revolutionize healthcare with compact, mobile, and cost-effective devices.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 21, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A genomic study revealed causative gene variants for inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) in diverse populations, with significant findings for Mexican, Pakistani, and European American participants. The study identified new gene variants and mutations contributing to IRDs, shedding light on disease variation and presentation.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 19, 2021
Researchers developed a new protein treatment that prevents glaucoma from forming in mice and reduces pressure in the eyes. The study provides new targets for therapies and aims to develop an injectable treatment for patients.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2021
University of Illinois Chicago researchers discovered a function of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in an antiviral defense mechanism, limiting HSV-1 virus infection through rapid activation of antiviral immunity. The protein complex protects the host by preventing encephalitis and possible death due to HSV-1 infection.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021
A Tanzanian study found that laser treatment (SLT) successfully reduced eye pressure to normal levels in 61% of patients after one year, compared to 31% with daily eye drops. SLT may be an affordable alternative for glaucoma care in Africa.
SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateOct 13, 2021
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.
Researchers have created a human disease model of FCMD using stem cells from a patient, which successfully mimicked the disorder's brain defects. The study found that a small compound called Mannan-007 can restore αDG glycosylation and reduce FCMD-related defects.
SourceFujita Health University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021
Researchers have discovered toxic DNA buildup in the eyes of patients with geographic atrophy, a devastating form of age-related macular degeneration. Common HIV drugs or safer alternatives, such as Kamuvudines, may block inflammation and protect against retinal cell death, offering new hope for treatment.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 30, 2021
A new study provides evidence supporting the involvement of aquaporins in corneal cell proliferation and nerve regeneration, suggesting AQP5 induction as a potential therapy to accelerate corneal defect resurfacing. The study found that AQP5 deficiency can slow down corneal epithelial repair, but its specific mechanism remained unclear.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021
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.
A clinical trial conducted by TTUHSC researchers found that corneal epithelial stem cell-derived eye drops significantly improved symptoms of severe dry eye disease, with patients experiencing a 23% improvement in SPEED questionnaire scores and a 17.1% improvement in OSDI scores. No adverse reactions were reported during the 12-week tr...
SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2021
A new handheld screening device has been shown to accurately detect amblyopia (lazy eye) in children, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 85%. Early detection is key to treating the condition, which can affect school performance and lifelong visual acuity.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2021
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found a potential direct connection between neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), glaucoma, and herpesvirus. The study suggests OPTN protein restricts HSV-1 virus spread in cells.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and diabetes-related eye disease are independently associated with an increased risk of dementia. In contrast, glaucoma was not linked to Alzheimer's disease but was associated with a higher risk of vascular dementia.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2021
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University and Tan Tock Seng Hospital have developed an AI-powered system to diagnose glaucoma from stereo fundus images, achieving an accuracy of 97% in diagnosing the condition. The automated method could potentially be used in less developed areas where patients lack access to ophthalmologists.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMethods·DateSep 7, 2021
A new study demonstrates that temporarily anesthetizing the retina of the non-amblyopic eye can lastingly improve vision in the amblyopic eye even after the critical period. The approach has shown promising results in two different mammal species, offering a potential pathway for a new and more effective treatment for amblyopia.
SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Scientists at Kyoto University developed a chemical compound that can tag and remove mutant DNA sequences from mitochondria, potentially treating mitochondrial diseases. The approach overcomes existing problems with genetic material injection and antioxidant drugs.
SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateAug 26, 2021
Researchers developed a non-invasive optical technique using spectroscopy to identify structural changes in the brain and diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The new technology has potential as a simple, completely non-invasive method of early detection and could also assess treatment effectiveness.
SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021
Researchers discovered that CaMKII is a key regulator of the survival of retinal ganglion cells, which process visual information. Gene therapy reactivating CaMKII provided robust protection against vision loss in multiple disease and injury models.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 2021
Scientists found that HtrA1 protein levels decrease with age in individuals with chromosome 10 risk variants associated with age-related macular degeneration. The study identified HtrA1 as a protective factor, suggesting it maintains the integrity of the RPE-Bruch's membrane interface.
SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers have discovered that the Usher syndrome type 1G protein SANS plays a crucial role in regulating splicing process, leading to errors in related genes and disease progression. The study aims to elucidate molecular basis of blindness in Usher syndrome patients.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 12, 2021
A study published in Nature Communications found that the process removing old light sensors is disrupted in progressive blindness, leading to age-related macular degeneration. The researchers identified mTORC1 as a key component involved in photoreceptor recycling and suggest potential treatments using drugs against mTORC1.
SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021
A study published in Cell identified specific nerve cells and proteins that trigger the sneeze reflex, which may lead to new treatments for infectious respiratory diseases. The researchers found that stimulating these cells with a molecule called neuromedin B could induce sneezing, even without exposure to allergens or viruses.
Researchers developed a non-contact laser imaging system that can detect telltale signs of major blinding diseases in retinal blood and tissue, allowing for earlier diagnosis and management. The technology, known as photoacoustic remote sensing, improves patient comfort and test accuracy.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2021
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.
A study by Inselspital and RetinAI uses AI to predict anti-VEGF treatment demand for patients with AMD, RVO, and DME. The model achieved high accuracy in predicting treatment need, even at the initial visit or before the first injection.
SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalOphthalmology Retina·DateJun 8, 2021
Researchers developed classification criteria using machine learning to standardize language and identify characteristics that distinguish each disease. The criteria have been validated with over 90% accuracy within uveitic class.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateJun 7, 2021
A new AI-powered algorithm, WeakGCSeg, accurately detects and tracks ganglion cells in the retina, surpassing human expertise. This technology enables early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases like glaucoma, improving treatment options.
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 new study reveals that retinal scans can identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease by detecting changes in blood vessels associated with the APOE4 gene. The research provides a potential path forward for early detection and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateMay 14, 2021
A team of researchers identified a genetic mutation associated with exfoliation syndrome, the most common cause of glaucoma. The study found that people with exfoliation syndrome are twice as likely to carry damaging mutations in the CYP39A1 protein, which plays a crucial role in cholesterol processing.
SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJAMA·DateMay 4, 2021
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed a micro-molded scaffolding photoreceptor patch to deliver new photoreceptors to damaged or diseased retinas. The 'ice cube tray' scaffold can hold three times as many cells while reducing biomaterial usage.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021
A gene therapy protects eye cells in mice with a rare disorder, suggesting a combination approach may preserve vision in people with retinitis pigmentosa. Researchers found that using Txnip gene therapies, along with treatments for oxidative stress and inflammation, provided additional protection for the cells.
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.
Researchers have discovered a new potential mechanism for age-related macular degeneration, suggesting that the structural organization of light-sensing cells may be affected by the disease. This finding offers hope for identifying new molecular targets to treat the condition and potentially reversing its effects.
SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2021