Research shows wallabies lose on the pokies
Researchers found wallabies have dichromatic colour vision like dogs, but lack a third colour-sensitive receptor. The 'Neutral Point' colour stimulates confusion in wallabies, unlike other marsupials.
Photoreceptors
Articles tagged with Photoreceptors
Same cell death pathway involved in three forms of blindness, Penn team finds
Researchers from Penn Vet found a shared cell death pathway involved in inherited vision diseases, including rod cone dysplasia and X-linked progressive retinal atrophy. The study suggests that targeting this pathway with TNF-inhibitors could slow disease progression or complement gene therapies.
Gene therapy improves eyesight in people born with an incurable form of blindness
Researchers have developed a gene therapy treatment that improves vision in people with choroideremia, a condition causing progressive loss of sight. The treatment showed significant improvements in visual acuity and sensitivity to light in six patients, offering promise for future treatments of other retinal diseases.
The eyes have it
Researchers have found that methylmercury can directly affect vision by accumulating in the retinal photoreceptors. The study used powerful synchrotron X-rays and methylmercury-poisoned zebrafish larvae to reveal the mechanisms of heavy metal toxicity in developing vertebrates.
Motional layers in the brain
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology discovered the cells responsible for processing motion in fruit flies, showing that motion information is processed independently in two separate pathways. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how neurons work together to enable complex behaviors.
Making connections in the eye
Researchers at MIT and Max Planck Institute have mapped the wiring diagram of a tiny patch of mouse retina using a combination of human and artificial intelligence. They identified 950 neurons, including a new type of retinal cell, and classified most of them based on their connections with other neurons.
Seeing starfish: The missing link in eye evolution?
Researchers found that starfish with intact eyes move towards the reef, while those without eyes walk randomly. The study suggests that starfish nervous system can process visual information, pointing to an underestimation of echinoderms' capacity.
1-2 punch could be key in treating blindness
Using two therapies together has been shown to effectively restore vision in dogs with inherited blindness. The treatment approach may have implications for human patients as well. Researchers believe that combining gene therapy and selective photoreceptor cell destruction could lead to better therapeutic outcomes.
Blind flies without recycling
Studies on the fruit fly Drosophila show that blind flies can't see due to histamine recycling in glial cells. Flies lacking Ebony and Tan genes have impaired vision, but those with Black mutations still struggle to see without histamine recycling. Further research is needed to understand the role of enzyme Black in vision.
Long-suspected cause of blindness from eye disease disproved
A new study from the University of Utah Health has disproved the long-held theory that a lack of fatty acids causes blindness in children with Stargardt type 3 retinal degeneration. The researchers found that mice with reduced fatty acids in their photoreceptor cells maintained normal vision.
Protein essential for healthy eyes described by Hebrew University, US researchers
A specific protein, Protein S, is crucial for maintaining a healthy retina through photoreceptor pruning. This process prevents retinal degeneration and blindness. The study also highlights the protein's role in other systems, such as the immune and reproductive systems, where its activation has been observed.
2 novel treatments for retinitis pigmentosa move closer to clinical trials
Two novel treatments for retinitis pigmentosa have shown promising results in mouse models, with stem cell grafts improving vision and gene therapy restoring photoreceptor cells. The treatments aim to provide a potentially unlimited supply of cells and offer an alternative to immunosuppression.
Crag keeps the light 'fantastic' for photoreceptors
Researchers discovered Crag's crucial role in maintaining photoreceptor integrity by regulating the trafficking of rhodopsin. The protein activates Rab11, which enables the transport of vesicles loaded with freshly made rhodopsin, resetting the light-sensing mechanism.
Architecture of rod sensory cilium disrupted by mutation
Research teams at Baylor College of Medicine used cryo-electron tomography to study the effects of genetic mutations on rod sensory cilium architecture. The findings suggest that aberrant trafficking of proteins is responsible for photoreceptor degeneration, highlighting a new model for understanding ciliopathies.
Surprising solution to fly eye mystery
Research reveals fly photoreceptors physically contract in response to light, generating electrical responses faster than previously thought. The study provides a new concept in cellular signalling and suggests potential therapeutic targets for various diseases.
Shine and rise
Researchers have developed a light-sensitive derivative of propofol that can reverse its anesthetic effects. In experiments with tadpoles, the compound was found to be more potent than propofol alone and allowed neurons to regain responsiveness upon exposure to light.
Circadian clock research may enable designer plants, and cancer and diabetes treatments
Scientists studying photoreceptor proteins could develop new strains of plants tolerant to various environments. Understanding these proteins can also lead to cancer drug therapy for humans.
Retina transplantation improved by manipulating recipient retinal microenvironment
Researchers found that insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) enhances migration and integration of photoreceptor cells into the adult mouse retina by manipulating the retinal recipient microenvironment. This study suggests a potential novel strategy for retinal repair using stem cell replacement therapy.
Tiny magnetic coils modulate neural activity, may be safer for deep-brain implants
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed tiny magnetic coils that can modulate neural activity, reducing symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. The study found that the coils can selectively target specific populations of neurons, minimizing effects on non-targeted cells.
UCSC physicist Alexander Sher named Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences
Sher's innovative system enables groundbreaking studies on vision and applications for improving treatment of retinal diseases. He plans to monitor the simultaneous activity of hundreds of neurons in laser-treated retinal tissue to determine whether restored circuits are fully functional.
It's in the genes: Research pinpoints how plants know when to flower
Researchers have identified a key player in the mechanism that tells plants when to flower, involving a protein called FKF1 and the plant's circadian clock. This discovery may lead to improved crop yields and better understanding of plant biology.
Plant growth without light control
Researchers from Japan and Karlsruhe have successfully used a synthetic photoreceptor to stimulate plant growth and development, regardless of exposure to light. This breakthrough could lead to improved agricultural practices and more efficient biomass production.
Scientists produce eye structures from human blood-derived stem cells
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created early retina structures containing proliferating neuroretinal progenitor cells using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from human blood. The structures showed the capacity to form layers of cells, which possessed the machinery to communicate information.
Wayne State-licensed technology receives grant from the Foundation Fighting Blindness
A novel gene-therapy approach to restore vision in people with blindness caused by age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa has attracted additional funding. The technology, developed at Wayne State University, uses a virus to deliver a photoreceptor gene from green algae, restoring light sensitivity to retinas.
Olivucci models potential of toxic algae photoreceptors
Using computer simulations at the Ohio Supercomputer Center, researchers aim to engineer cyanobacteria to thrive in diverse illumination conditions. By understanding light sensing and harvesting in Anabaena sensory rhodopsin bacteria, they hope to develop new properties for alternative energy via microbial conversion of light energy.
Light now in sight
Researchers have successfully converted an intrinsically 'blind' receptor molecule into a photoreceptor using molecular genetic techniques. This synthetic construct enables light-controlled activation and may potentially be used to restore sight in patients suffering from certain forms of blindness.
Flexible adult stem cells, right there in your eye
Adult stem cells have been found in the retina of the eye, which can divide and form other cell types. This discovery opens up potential treatments for diseases like age-related macular degeneration, as these cells may be able to repair damaged tissue.
Wayne State announces license agreement for breakthrough approaches to vision restoration
Researchers at Wayne State University developed a novel gene therapy approach to restore vision in people with age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. A license agreement has been signed with RetroSense Therapeutics, paving the way for Phase I clinical trials.
NYU biologists use Sinatra-named fly to show how to see the blues -- and the greens
Researchers identified a mechanism for regulating color vision by studying the fly's visual system, showing that Rhodopsins can prevent incorrect gene expression and maintain color discrimination. The findings also offer insights into how genes controlling color detection are turned on and off.
Circadian clocks in a blind fish
Researchers found that a species of cavefish, Phreatichthys andruzzii, has an unusual circadian clock that ticks at an extremely long period, unaffected by eye loss. The study suggests that the fish's clocks can be regulated by feeding behaviour, but not light exposure.
Scientists unravel the cause of rare genetic disease: Goldman-Favre Syndrome explained
Researchers found that photoreceptor cells in the retina had a defective phagocytosis process, leading to decreased rod and cone renewal. This discovery could lead to therapeutic agents for blinding diseases related to retinal cell renewal.
Newly discovered molecule essential to resetting 'body clocks'
A novel molecule, QUASIMODO (QSM), has been discovered as essential for relaying light-information to the circadian clocks of fruit flies. This molecule plays a crucial role in synchronizing the internal biological processes, such as sleep/wake cycles, with external time.
Sea urchins see with their whole body
Researchers found that sea urchins have photoreceptors on the tip and base of their tube feet, allowing them to react to light and potentially use the shadow cast by their skeleton for direction. This unique system enables sea urchins to navigate and function in their surroundings despite lacking eyes.
Tracking down motion perception
Neurobiologists have found that the fly brain requires only two distinct motion detectors to recognize movement, shedding light on the complexity of visual processing in both humans and insects. This discovery has implications for our own understanding of how we perceive motion.
Researchers report progress using iPS cells to reverse blindness
Researchers have successfully used induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to correct a genetic defect in gyrate atrophy, a rare blinding disorder. The study demonstrates the potential for iPS cells to repair damaged retinal pigment epithelium cells and restore vision.
Biologists uncover regulatory mechanism for gene expression in the visual system
Researchers identified a critical node, defective proventriculus (dve), in a network regulating Rhodopsin gene expression. This interlocked feed-forward loop (FFL) motif controls cell-type specific expression, restricting and inducing Rhodopsin presence in different photoreceptors.
Sections of retinas regenerated and visual function increased with stem cells from skin
Researchers at Schepens Eye Research Institute successfully regenerate large areas of damaged retinas and improve visual function using IPS cells derived from skin. The study holds promise for future treatments and cures for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
Physics World highlight: There's more to implants than meets the eye
Researchers warn that current camera technology cannot be directly applied to the human retina due to differences in photoreceptor distribution and fractal patterns. New implant designs, such as nanocluster deposition, are being developed to address these challenges.
Vision loss in eye disease slowed using novel encapsulated cell therapy
A phase 2 clinical trial demonstrates the benefit of a neurotrophic factor to treat geographic atrophy, a severe form of age-related macular degeneration. The therapy, which delivers ciliary neurotrophic factor using encapsulated cell therapy, slowed vision loss and stabilized vision in patients with high-dose treatment.
Johns Hopkins scientists reveal role of light sensor in temperature sensation
Researchers found that a light-sensing receptor called rhodopsin plays a critical role in sensing temperature, particularly in the comfortable range. The discovery suggests that rhodopsin may have been used originally for temperature detection before its function as a light receptor.
When it comes to selecting a mate, the eyes have it: Queen's University study
Scientists have found a difference in visual perception between male and female cichlid fishes, which likely aids in mate selection. The research discovered that males and females detect light differently, with five photoreceptor cones in their eyes, enabling color discrimination.
JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 6, 2010
Researchers have discovered a link between decreased alpha-2 integrin expression and increased tumor dissemination in breast and prostate cancer patients. Additionally, targeting blood vessel growth has been found to alleviate psoriasis symptoms by reducing angiogenesis.
Evolutionary bestseller in image processing
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology found that fruit flies process optical information in a similar way to vertebrates, separating channels and transmitting parallel image sequences. This efficient system allows the brain to save energy, a theory supported by the consistent wiring across various animal species.
UCSD receives NIH Transformative R01 Award for stimulation of neuron regeneration in the retina
A research team led by Kang Zhang aims to use chemicals to reprogram Muller cells into photoreceptors in the eye, potentially leading to new cell-based therapy and small molecule drugs for regenerative medicine. The goal is to restore visual function lost due to diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
Promising results of gene therapy to treat diseases of the eye
Researchers successfully replaced a human gene to preserve photoreceptor function in mice with severe retinal degeneration. The study demonstrates improved function and survival of photoreceptors, validating a potential gene therapy design for patients affected by Leber congenital amaurosis.
The brain of the fly -- a high-speed computer
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology successfully establish conditions for decoding fly brain's motion vision mechanisms. They use fluorescence molecules and state-of-the-art microscopes to observe nerve cell activity, revealing that L2-cells transform data and relay information about light intensity reductions to subseq...
Key component indentified that helps plants go green
A team of researchers from Duke University and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies has identified a key intermediary between the light system for information and the light system that makes fuel in plants. The discovery, led by Meng Chen, could help increase agricultural yields or improve photosynthesis of biofuel crops.
Seeing a bionic eye on medicine's horizon
Researchers at Tel Aviv University are developing a new retinal implant technology that can stimulate cell growth in the retina, potentially leading to improved vision. The technology uses electrodes to merge retinal nerves with nano-sized carbon tubes, allowing for the growth of living neurons on a synthetic structure.
NYU, U. of Wurzburg scientists shed new light on how retina's hardware is used in color vision
Researchers at NYU and U. of Würzburg identified how photoreceptor cells in the fruit fly Drosophila use distinct spectral sensitivities for color vision and motion detection. Flies with impaired R7 or R8 photoreceptors showed preferences for specific colors, revealing separate channels for color and motion.
To restore vision, implant preps and seeds a damaged eye
Researchers have developed a micro-implant that clears scar tissue and delivers progenitor cells to the eye, increasing cell survival by 9-fold. The implant's scaffolding uses electrospinning to produce biodegradable fibers with pockets containing enzymes that degrade local scar tissue.
Monarch butterflies reveal a novel way in which animals sense the Earth's magnetic field
Researchers discovered that two related photoreceptor proteins found in monarch butterflies can mediate magnetoreception by an unconventional photochemical mechanism. The study provides the first genetic evidence for a vertebrate-like Cry protein functioning as a magnetoreceptor in animals.
Finding a protective mechanism for retinal cells could save sight
Researchers at Yale University have identified a novel protective mechanism in photoreceptors that could help preserve vision in people with eye diseases. The study found that the activation of CREB1/ATF1 is part of this pathway, which was triggered by stress and can be activated by certain drugs.
Retinal rescue: Cells derived from human embryonic stem cells reverse retinal degeneration
Researchers successfully preserved retina structure and function in animal model of retinal degeneration using human embryonic stem cell-derived pigment-containing visual cells. The study promotes potential future use of cell replacement therapies to treat devastating eye diseases.
Assessment of safety and efficacy of human embryonic stem cell therapy
Researchers have demonstrated the long-term safety and efficacy of human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium in animal models of eye diseases. The therapy has shown functional rescue in both RCS rat and Elov14 mouse, with sustained visual function without tumor formation or untoward pathological reactions.
Eye cells believed to be retinal stem cells are misidentified
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found that cells isolated from the eye are not retinal stem cells, contradicting previous findings. Instead, they suggest that re-engineering stem cells to develop photoreceptor cells could be a promising approach to restore vision in people with retinal degeneration.
'Dark cells' of living retina imaged for the first time
Researchers have imaged the nearly invisible layer of retinal pigment epithelial cells in a living eye, which could help diagnose macular degeneration at an early stage. This breakthrough technique uses fluorescent chemicals produced by the cells to detect potential disease before symptoms appear.
How your body clock avoids hitting the snooze button
Researchers found three factors governing circadian clock resetting: Cryptochrome, Jetlag, and Timeless. These proteins fine-tune light responses on a molecular level, ensuring the bodyclock stays synchronized with its environment.
Uncovering secrets of life in the ocean
Scientists studying the larvae of a marine ragworm discovered that nerve connections between the photoreceptor cell and cilia regulate swimming motion. This finding sheds light on how early eyes evolved to sense direction and drive phototaxis in marine plankton.
Anti-VEGF drugs for retinal diseases could have serious side effects, scientists caution
A recent study published in PLoS ONE suggests that anti-VEGF drugs used to treat macular degeneration could cause the death of photoreceptors and Muller glia cells in adult mice. The research highlights the need for caution when using these drugs, as their effects on the retina may be more complex than previously thought.
Retina transplants show promise in patients with retinal degeneration
A new experimental technique has yielded improved vision in patients with retinal degeneration, with seven of ten patients showing significant visual gains. The procedure involves transplanting fetal retinal cells along with their attached retinal pigment epithelium to replace damaged photoreceptor cells.