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
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 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
A research team led by Dr. Eddie Ma Chi-him identified a therapeutic small molecule M1 that increases mitochondrial dynamics and sustains long-distance axon regeneration, restoring visual functions in mice. Regenerated axons elicited neural activities and survived for four weeks after optic nerve injury.
SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023
In a mouse model of laser-induced CNV, RORα expression was highly increased in the choroidal/RPE complex post-laser, while loss or inhibition of RORα worsened CNV with increased lesion size and vascular leakage. RORα negatively regulates pathological CNV development by modulating angiogenic response and inflammatory environment.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 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
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.
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
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
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
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 pilot study found that nearly half of patients treated with aflibercept could safely stop eye injections without vision loss, while only 17% of those on bevacizumab were able to do so. The findings suggest that matching patients with the right therapy may reduce the need for lifelong treatment.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 30, 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
Researchers have discovered how a new class of drugs can inhibit the complement system, which causes damage to the body in some cases. These findings pave the way for further optimization of such inhibitors, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies for treating autoimmune diseases.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered the flexible structure of a key blood protein involved in macular degeneration and other age-related diseases. The study reveals how this protein adapts to changing pressure, leading to calcified plaque deposits characteristic of these conditions.
SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateSep 6, 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
Scientists reprogrammed stem cells to create models of diseased eye cells, analyzing DNA, RNA, and proteins to pinpoint genetic signatures. The study identified 439 molecular signatures associated with AMD, including potential new gene variants that target mitochondrial proteins.
SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2022
A recent study found that patients vividly remember the way they were told they had their condition, which affects their perception of vision loss and interactions with others. Clinicians should consider empathetic communication when delivering bad news to minimize long-term psychological impact.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBMJ Open·TypeSurvey·DateJul 21, 2022
A study found that patients with a specific form of age-related macular degeneration are at significant risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Researchers discovered a strong association between the disorder's subretinal drusenoid deposits and high-risk vascular diseases.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalRetina·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 12, 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.
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
Researchers found a protein in eye fluid linked to disease progression in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. Measuring its levels can accurately predict treatment needs, allowing for safe reduction or cessation of therapies.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateJun 29, 2022
Researchers have developed a new protocol for differentiating human embryonic stem cells into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which can be used to treat age-related macular degeneration. The study shows that the protocol produces a pure population of RPE cells that can continue maturing after transplantation, paving the way for...
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 14, 2022
A new report confirms the benefits of supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin for slowing age-related macular degeneration progression. The AREDS2 study found that these supplements reduced the risk of AMD progression by 26% compared to the original formula, which contained beta-carotene.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 2, 2022
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 investigated the effects of treatment with exogenous Humanin G on inflammation markers in AMD and normal retinal cells. The study found reduced levels of inflammatory proteins in AMD plasma and treated cybrids, highlighting the positive effects of Humanin G.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022
A new study by the University of South Australia found that up to a quarter of people aged over 50 with undiagnosed visual problems like cataracts or AMD are misdiagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Cognitive tests relying on vision-dependent tasks can skew results.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2022
Researchers discovered that fusing Müller glia with adult stem cells can differentiate into ganglion cells, a type of neuron essential for vision. This finding brings hope for recovering the retina's regenerative capacity in humans.
SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022
Scientists identify a specialized zone in Muller glia cells called the citrullination bunker that sequesters damaged proteins, preserving vision. Chronic engagement of this process may lead to retinal degeneration, but inhibiting it could delay or prevent disease.
SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022
Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory discovered that age-related chronic inflammation is caused by disruption of chromatin architecture. This leads to misexpression of genes lacking CpG islands, resulting in inflammation and loss of cellular function. The findings provide a unifying theory for the age-related degenerative diseases.
SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A study by Stanford researchers found that a thin chip and specially designed glasses can partially restore vision in macular degeneration patients, integrating their prosthetic central visual perception with the remaining natural peripheral vision. The treatment suggests restoring functional vision.
SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2022
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
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 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
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.
Researchers have found that people with genetic risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have thinner retinas and photoreceptors, even if they haven't yet lost their sight. This early detection could lead to earlier treatment and lifestyle changes to prevent vision loss.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 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
Researchers discovered that retinal pigment epithelium cells release exosomes containing normal proteins and those associated with drusen, a key AMD manifestation. This finding may lead to early diagnosis through biomarker detection in blood, tears, or saliva, potentially treating millions of Americans before geographic atrophy onset.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateNov 12, 2021
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have been awarded a four-year grant to study systemic biomarkers of inflammation that signal the progression of age-related macular degeneration. The team aims to develop risk profiles for patients with intermediate AMD to predict rapid vision deterioration.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateNov 8, 2021
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers has identified specific drugs that can selectively block the polarization of M2-type macrophages, which exacerbate diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration. The findings suggest that these drugs could be repurposed for new therapies to influence disease outcomes.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 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 at UVA Health System found that fluoxetine, an antidepressant commonly known as Prozac, shows promise against age-related macular degeneration. Patients taking fluoxetine were less likely to develop dry AMD, a condition affecting nearly 200 million people worldwide.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2021
Researchers from the University of Bonn have found that reading ability is a crucial indicator of functional loss in people with geographic atrophy, a late form of age-related macular degeneration. Reading speed and performance are essential for measuring everyday functional impairment.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 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
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.
Researchers co-led by Jonathan L. Haines are conducting a comprehensive analysis of genetic data from over 100,000 people worldwide to better understand the condition. The study aims to uncover the genetic architecture of age-related macular degeneration and its impact on diverse populations.
Researchers at Duke University developed a robotic imaging tool that can automatically detect and scan patients' eyes for eye diseases, producing clear images in under 50 seconds. The system uses optical coherence tomography and is designed to be safe and accessible for optometrist offices, primary-care clinics, and emergency departments.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 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
Researchers developed a novel medical device using octopus vision technology to assess macular pigment levels, enabling optometrists to provide preventative advice to patients. The technology can screen people from 5-95 years of age for low macular pigments, a strong risk factor for macular degeneration.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 4, 2021
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a 3D lab model mimicking the human retina affected by age-related macular degeneration. The model combines patient-derived tissues with bioengineered synthetic materials, allowing for targeted drug therapies and potential individual treatments.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 29, 2021
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.
A team of researchers has developed a potential approach to overcome anti-VEGF resistance in patients with age-related macular degeneration. By combining apolipoprotein A-I binding protein (AIBP) with anti-VEGF, the strategy effectively suppresses choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and reduces drug resistance.
SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 16, 2020
A new study suggests that exercise can reduce the development of macular degeneration by up to 45% in lab mice. The research also implies that regular physical activity may benefit other causes of vision loss, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJul 1, 2020
Researchers have identified interleukin-4 as a key player in promoting harmful blood-vessel growth in age-related macular degeneration. Elevated levels of the protein were found in patients with AMD and mice with an AMD-like condition, highlighting its potential role as a target for new treatments.
A new Penn Medicine study found that missing a single ophthalmology appointment over a two-year period was associated with decreased visual acuity for patients with macular degeneration. Patients who attended more frequent visits had better visual outcomes, highlighting the importance of visit adherence for this patient population.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateFeb 6, 2020
Scientists have discovered a potential way to halt blinding macular degeneration by targeting an enzyme called Dicer, which is lost with age and leads to damage in the retina. The approach uses gene therapy to restore the enzyme, offering a new treatment option for both dry and wet forms of AMD.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2020
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.
A University of Houston research team is exploring the connection between macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa by studying the protein peripherin2. By modulating ROM1 levels, they found a way to convert severe macular degeneration phenotypes into less severe retinitis pigmentosa phenotypes.
Researchers suggest a thermally induced fluid mixing approach could improve the delivery of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents to target tissue. This technique may reduce the amount of drug injected into the vitreous and increase effective treatment outcomes for patients with macular degeneration.
A degenerative eye condition called AMD is projected to affect 77 million Europeans by 2050, with the number of existing cases rising by 15% and new cases increasing by 75%. The estimated projections show that one in four older adults will have AMD, ranging from under 1 in 10 for those younger than 65 to over 27% of those over 75.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateNov 11, 2019
A new study from City, University of London suggests that patients diagnosed with dry AMD may experience considerable distress despite reasonable visual function. Effective communication with eye health professionals and timely information about the disease can alleviate anxiety and fear of going blind.
SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalEye·DateJun 28, 2019
A study examining calcium intake found that higher intake was associated with a lower risk of progression to late AMD. However, the association between calcium intake and different stages of AMD was inconsistent.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 21, 2019
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 recent NIH study found no evidence that eating a calcium-rich diet or taking supplements increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration. The study suggests that high calcium intake may be protective, but more research is needed to confirm this finding.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 21, 2019
Research from University of Queensland shows that heightened brain activity in the visual cortex is associated with visual hallucinations in people with macular degeneration. The findings could help reduce misdiagnosis and improve diagnosis of Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 25, 2018
A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that consuming vegetable nitrates, primarily from green leafy vegetables and beetroot, can reduce the risk of early-stage age-related macular degeneration by 35%. Eating 100-142mg of vegetable nitrates daily was associated with this reduced risk.
SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateOct 18, 2018
The European MACUSTAR consortium is conducting a multi-country clinical study on early AMD, focusing on intermediate-stage disease progression. Novel tests will be developed to assess earlier stages of the disease, improving diagnosis and treatment methods.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalOphthalmologica·DateAug 29, 2018
A 15-year study found that people who eat at least one serving of oranges daily have a 60% reduced risk of developing late macular degeneration. Flavonoids in oranges appear to help prevent against the eye disease.
SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 12, 2018
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.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that aging immune cells contribute to inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth in macular degeneration, potentially leading to vision loss. The study identified microRNA-150 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing progression to advanced forms of the disease.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 5, 2018