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A novel therapy using unique thermogel prevents retinal scarring

Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology developed a bio-functional thermogel that prevents retinal scarring in pre-clinical models. The thermogel modulates cellular behavior to prevent scar membrane formation, offering a novel therapy for proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature·DateJul 4, 2022

Tadpoles undergo surprising number of vision changes when becoming frogs

Researchers found that the eyes of tadpoles undergo significant changes in gene expression and photoreceptor cell sensitivity to adapt to life on land. The study reveals that 42% of genes involved in vision changed between tadpole and juvenile frog stages, enabling better adaptation to a bluer light environment.

SourceYork University·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 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.

UCF researchers develop technology for AI that mimics the human eye

The device can instantly recognize what it sees, like automatic descriptions of pictures taken by a camera or phone, and outperforms the eye in the number of wavelengths it can see. It's uniqueness comes from its ability to integrate three different operations into one, making it many times faster than current technology.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 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.

Eye scanner targets neurodegenerative diseases

A new multimodal eye scanner combining optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Raman spectroscopy enables the detection of molecular information in the internal structure of the eye. This technology aims to detect neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, at an early stage, improving treatment options.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·DateMar 30, 2022

Staying alive: Scientists eye up gene required for the survival of an important retinal neuron

Researchers at OIST Graduate University identified the strip1 gene as essential for keeping retinal ganglion cells alive. The gene suppresses Jun-mediated apoptosis, promoting correct neural circuit formation in the retina. This finding opens promising new avenues for treating diseases like glaucoma.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Visionary progress

A retinal stem cell patch has survived for two years after implantation and continues to function without triggering immune rejection. The patch, developed through a collaboration of researchers, is one step closer to securing FDA approval and potentially restoring vision to millions of people affected by age-related macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 16, 2022

Perovskites used to make efficient artificial retina

KAUST researchers develop an artificial electronic retina that mimics human vision and recognizes handwritten numbers with high accuracy. The retina uses perovskite nanocrystals to detect light intensity via capacitive change, offering a more energy-efficient alternative to existing systems.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Improved retinal transplant technique ready for clinical trials

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.

SourceRIKEN·JournaliScience·DateJan 25, 2022

Modular super-enhancer controls retinal development

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a 'modular' super-enhancer that controls gene expression during retina formation, revealing four distinct regions with different functions. This discovery provides a way to study gene expression during development and offers a blueprint for studying brain development.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2022

LSU Health contributes to research suggesting late-onset retinal degeneration mechanism and potential Rx

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

HyVIS: Hybrid synapses to treat retinal dystrophies

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

Hopkins Med newsletter 7

Researchers identified a pattern that links the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins with a reduction of serotonin, which may help predict who will develop late-life depression. The study found that individuals expressing this pattern had more severe depressive symptoms.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 7, 2021

Fish eyes from a petri dish

Researchers have successfully cultivated complex retinal tissue from embryonic stem cells of medaka and zebrafish. The study, published in eLife, demonstrates the feasibility of growing retina-like structures in a Petri dish, offering new insights into retinal development and potential applications for human medicine.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournaleLife·DateSep 3, 2021

Spontaneous retinal waves simulate optical flow before neonatal mice can see

Before birth, neonatal mice's retinas generate spontaneous patterns of activity that simulate optic flow, training the brain to process directional information. This intrinsic mechanism prepares the visual system for motion detection at eye opening, despite the mouse not being able to see yet.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021
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.

Scientists speed up artificial organoid growth and selection

Researchers from MIPT and Harvard have developed an algorithm to automate the process of growing retinal cells in vitro, reducing processing time from two hours to 34 minutes. The approach enables high-throughput tissue production for drug tests and cell transplantation experiments.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·DateNov 10, 2020

Machine learning helps grow artificial organs

Researchers developed a neural network capable of recognizing retinal tissues during differentiation without modifying cells. The method allows for growing retinal tissue for developing cell replacement therapies to treat blindness and conducting research into new drugs.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateJul 7, 2020

Babies in the womb may see more than we thought

Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley have found evidence that light-sensitive cells in the developing retina are networked and play a more significant role in brain development than previously thought. The discovery suggests that these cells may enhance the influence of light on behavior and brain development.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 25, 2019

Finding a cell's true identity

Researchers developed two AI methods that decipher complex gene activity controlling cell fate decisions in retina development, relating this gene activity to other tissues and across different species. The findings provide key insights into human disease and highlight the potential for AI to shed light on cancer treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Systems·DateMay 28, 2019
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.

Saving sight: Using AI to diagnose diabetic eye disease

Researchers developed an image-processing algorithm that can automatically detect fluid on the retina with high accuracy. Early diagnosis is crucial as diabetic retinopathy can cause irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

SourceRMIT University·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateJan 8, 2019

Researchers develop new devices to test retinal cells

Researchers developed two new devices to mechanically stress human retinal cells, mimicking slow and continuous stress levels as well as high levels of stress. The study found that mechanical stress results in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein linked to disease initiation and progression.

SourceUtah State University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateOct 24, 2018

Thyroid hormone regulates development of color vision

Researchers used human retinal tissue grown from stem cells to discover how cone photoreceptors develop, leading to insights into eye diseases like color blindness. Thyroid hormone signaling regulated the growth of blue-detecting cones first, followed by red- and green-detecting ones.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2018
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.

Risk of blindness among premature babies with low levels of blood platelets

A Swedish-US study found that premature babies with low platelet levels have a fourfold increased risk of severe retinopathy of prematurity, a condition that can cause permanent vision impairment and blindness. Injections of platelets may provide new therapeutic possibilities for treating this disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 10, 2018

Revolutionizing retinal studies

Researchers have developed a new system using ultraflexible mesh electronics to track the firing patterns of dozens of retinal cells chronically in awake animals. This allows for new insights into how retinal ganglion cells behave over multiple circadian cycles, revealing dramatic changes in cell activity at different times of day.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJun 28, 2018

NIH solicits next-generation retina organoids in prize competition

The National Eye Institute is seeking innovative approaches to create functional human retina prototypes using stem cells. The goal is to develop 'mini-retinas' that can replicate the complexity of the human retina, enabling the study of underlying causes of retinal diseases and testing new drug therapies.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·DateFeb 14, 2018

Oxford student creates first synthetic retina for the visually impaired

A synthetic, soft tissue retina developed by an Oxford University student offers fresh hope to visually impaired people. The study uses biological, synthetic tissues and could transform the bionic implant industry and treat degenerative eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 2017
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.

New nano-implant could one day help restore sight

A team of engineers developed a nanotechnology-based retinal prosthesis that mimics the retina's light-sensing cones to directly stimulate retinal cells. The device, powered wirelessly, has shown promising results in animal tests, bringing researchers closer to restoring functional vision in patients with severe retinal degeneration.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMar 14, 2017

Is preeclampsia a risk or a protective factor in retinopathy of prematurity?

Researchers found that preeclampsia in pregnant rats led to less severe retinopathy and normal retinal vascular development in offspring. The combination of preeclampsia and oxygen fluctuations reduced features of ROP. Growth factors needed for retina development came from the pups, not the mothers.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 15, 2017

Researchers identify candidate biomarker of accelerated onset diabetic retinopathy

A study by Mass. Eye and Ear researchers describes an association between a defective myogenic response in blood vessels of the retina and early development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes. The findings provide a potential target for therapies to delay or prevent accelerated onset diabetic retinopathy.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateApr 1, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Wayne State start-up receives prestigious Luis Villalobos Award

RetroSense Therapeutics, a Wayne State University start-up, has received the prestigious Luis Villalobos Award for its innovative optogenetic gene therapy approach. The technology has the potential to treat all forms of blindness due to degenerated photoreceptors.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateApr 17, 2015

Major blood vessel constrictor contributes to vision loss in premies

A gene that regulates blood vessel constriction is linked to aberrant blood vessel growth in premature babies, leading to vision loss. The finding suggests a new therapy to prevent damage and highlights endothelin's role in both blood pressure regulation and blood vessel formation.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateNov 10, 2014

New gel-based eye fluid aids post-operative healing

Researchers have developed a new gel-based eye fluid called Healaflow that stabilizes the eye during healing after retinal detachment surgery. This new product does not appear to inflict additional damage on the retina, setting it apart from other alternatives.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMay 5, 2014
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.

JCI early table of contents for Jan. 9, 2014

Engineered anti-toxin antibodies have been shown to increase toxin neutralization activity by enhancing the interaction between toxins and Fc receptors on immune cells, improving protection against anthrax toxin. Additionally, prenatal retinoid deficiency has been linked to airway hyperresponsiveness in adult mice, highlighting the imp...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 9, 2014

Beating blindness with vegetable oil

New research shows that vegetable oil fatty acids can increase plasma membrane fluidity in retina cells, reducing the risk of retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil may also contribute to preventing retina diseases.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology·DateAug 15, 2013
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.

Retinoic acid gradient visualized for the first time in an embryo

Researchers visualize retinoic acid distribution for the first time in a live zebrafish embryo, observing two opposing concentration gradients along the head-to-tail axis. This discovery confirms retinoic acid as a morphogen, essential for understanding tissue development and regenerative medicine.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2013

Diabetic retinopathy research could reduce screening costs

Research at Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that screening people with type 2 diabetes every two years is a safe and cost-effective strategy, reducing costs by around 25%. This approach could benefit 2.8m people in the UK who have diabetes.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 6, 2012

New pig model may lead to progress in treating debilitating eye disease

A new pig model has been developed to study and potentially treat the debilitating eye disease retinitis pigmentosa. The miniature swine model expresses classic features of the disease and can be used to screen novel therapies for this devastating condition.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 8, 2012
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.

More infants surviving pre-term births results in higher rates of eye problems

A Swedish study found that more pre-term infants surviving in neonatal intensive care units are experiencing vision problems due to retinopathy of prematurity, a condition involving abnormal blood vessel development in the retina. The incidence of this condition is higher in extremely preterm infants born before 27 weeks' gestation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateOct 12, 2009

Embryology study offers clues to birth defects

A new embryology study clarifies the role of retinoic acid in limb development and finds that it controls forelimb budding but not hindlimb patterning. The research may lead to new therapeutic measures for congenital limb defects such as Holt-Oram syndrome.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 9, 2009

Small evolutionary shifts make big impacts -- like developing night vision

Researchers found that minor differences in cell proliferation timing can explain large differences in eyes of owl monkeys and capuchin monkeys. This discovery reveals an evolutionary mechanism for changes in brain structure, enabling flexibility in eye specialization.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2009
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.

St. Jude defines eye cancer gene's role in retinal development

Researchers found that the N-myc gene coordinates retina growth to ensure proper thickness, a crucial process for converting light into images. The study provides new insights into retinoblastoma, a rare pediatric eye cancer, and may lead to improved understanding of eye formation.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 16, 2008

More on HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment

A recent study reveals that CMV retinitis is causing blindness in young people with HIV in the developing world, often leading to fatal outcomes. Successful management of the disease requires decentralizing diagnostic capacity and making valganciclovir medication affordable.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 30, 2007

Study shows how embryos regulate vitamin A derivatives

A study by UC Irvine researchers has revealed how human embryos regulate levels of retinoic acid, a derivative of Vitamin A, to avoid birth defects. The study found that cells regulate retinoic acid within a certain range, using enzymes and proteins to maintain optimal levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 19, 2007

Genetic insights may explain retinal growth, eye cancer

A new study by St. Jude investigators reveals the role of several key genes in retina development and suggests new studies for designing more effective drugs to treat retinoblastoma. The study found that humans are more susceptible to developing eye cancer due to a difference in gene expression between mice and humans.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalBMC Biology·DateMay 8, 2006

Why mice don't get cancer of the retina

Researchers found that in mice, proteins Rb and p107 compensate for each other in retinal progenitor cells, preventing deregulated proliferation that leads to retinoblastoma. In contrast, humans lack these compensatory mechanisms due to the main protein RB1, leading to retinoblastoma.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateMay 2, 2006
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.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs in pre-diabetes

Researchers discovered that diabetic retinopathy occurs in people with pre-diabetes, suggesting eye changes may begin earlier than previously thought. Regular eye exams and good blood sugar control are recommended to prevent vision loss.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·DateJun 13, 2005

Unrestrained retina too much of a good thing

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that the retina is the default pathway for eye development in mammals, controlled by two chemical cues. This discovery has important implications for human therapy, as it highlights the need to regulate stem cell development and prevent excessive growth of the retina.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 17, 2005