Articles tagged with Ear
A new study has identified potential lipid biomarkers in human blood plasma associated with age-related macular degeneration, which may lead to earlier diagnoses and better treatment options. The study's findings also suggest that metabolomics profiling may provide novel insights into the relationship between lipids and AMD.
Researchers found that chronic tinnitus is associated with changes in certain networks in the brain, leading to increased attention and reduced rest. The study provides hope for future treatment options and validates patients' experiences.
A new study published in PNAS identifies two key compounds that can reduce the severity of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by regulating inflammatory immune cells. The findings have significant therapeutic implications for AMD and other conditions involving angiogenesis and inflammation.
Researchers from Mass Eye and Ear successfully prevented mice from developing retinal angiogenesis using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing techniques. The technique targets VEGFR2, a critical protein responsible for angiogenesis, and showed promising results in preclinical models.
Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) who quit smoking experience improvement in symptoms and medication usage within 10 years. The study found that every year without smoking is associated with a statistically significant reduction in symptoms and medication usage.
Researchers are using head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) to personalize audio in mixed and virtual reality. By capturing a person's unique acoustic fingerprint, the technology can create an immersive sound environment that simulates spatial hearing.
A new UCL and University of Nottingham study found that most neurons in the brain's auditory cortex detect sound location relative to the head, but some track the actual position in the world. The researchers monitored ferrets while they moved around a small arena surrounded by speakers, using electrodes and LEDs to track movement.
The study reveals that enterococci, leading hospital superbugs, have been resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants for hundreds of millions of years. They were shaped by their environment, including living in the intestines of extinct animals, and can withstand drying out and starvation.
Researchers developed a novel strategy using cytokines TGF-β and IL-10 to promote tolerance in high-risk corneal transplant patients. Treating donor tissue with this combination improved graft survival rates by 68.7%, offering a promising approach for reducing rejection.
A team of researchers identified the transcription factor RUNX1 as a novel therapeutic target for retinal neovascularization, a hallmark of advanced diabetic eye disease. By inhibiting RUNX1 with a small molecule drug, they achieved a 50% reduction of retinopathy in preclinical models.
Researchers found that bat ear movements can pack extra information into ultrasonic pulses, improving echolocation accuracy. Combining data from different configurations increased a sensor's ability to localize sound waves by a factor of 100 to 1000.
A new online survey of over 28,000 participants found that 59% prefer to start eating their chocolate bunnies with the ears. Chocolate rabbit ear amputations were also a significant concern, peaking in late March through mid-April every year from 2012 to 2017.
A new study led by Massachusetts Eye and Ear researchers found that the brains of blind individuals make new connections to compensate for visual information, enhancing abilities like hearing, smell, touch, memory, and language. The findings could lead to more effective rehabilitation efforts for blind individuals.
A new study by UCR psychology professor Megan Robbins found that using positive emotion words and balanced pronouns, such as
Researchers found that the EarWell system is highly successful in eliminating or reducing the need for surgery in most congenital ear malformations, with 97% of ears showing good to excellent results. Treatment must begin early, ideally within three weeks after birth, and should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Physicians are more likely to prescribe antibiotics when they expect high patient expectations, even if the probability of bacterial infection is low. This study suggests that tackling non-clinical factors, such as managing patient expectations, is crucial in reducing antibiotic overuse and addressing global health threats.
Researchers found that a slight increase in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) protects retinal blood vessels from damage in early diabetic eye disease. The study suggests that inhibiting TGF-β may accelerate the disease, while increasing its signaling could prevent or delay diabetic retinopathy.
A clinical trial found that Verapamil therapy improved symptoms in patients with CRS and nasal polyps, representing a promising novel therapy for the disease. The treatment's effectiveness was limited among patients with higher body mass indices.
Study findings reveal that IL-7 and IL-15 signal Th17 cells to chronically reside in the body, contributing to autoimmune disorders. The study suggests targeting these cytokines may lead to new therapies for chronic autoimmune diseases.
Researchers studied data from Lake Malawi to confirm that rifting has occurred slowly over the past 1.3 million years, utilizing a series of faults millions of years older. The team's findings provide a unified geologic framework for exploring the East African Rift system and shed light on other continental rift systems.
A recent neuroimaging study found that native Japanese speakers are less affected by visual lip movements when listening to speech, allowing them to focus more on auditory cues. In contrast, native English speakers rely heavily on visual information to process audio-visual speech integration.
Fossils previously thought to be generic carnivorans are identified as earliest known members of the beardog family, offering a clearer picture of the species' phylogeny. The research reveals that beardogs may have originated in parts of what is now the southwestern U.S.
For the first time, researchers have identified rapidly proliferating cells in the corneal endothelium of specimens from normal corneas and those with Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD). This discovery holds promise for new therapies to be developed using these cells to return normal clearing abilities to patients with FECD.
Researchers discovered that bats' adorable head movements synchronize with sonar vocalizations to track prey. The findings reveal how movement enhances signals used by sight and hearing in various species.
New findings suggest that abnormal proliferation of blood vessels and rare lymphatic vessel formation contribute to the swelling and inflammation in thyroid eye disease. The study offers potential therapeutic options for treating the condition through targeted therapies and functional lymphatic vessel creation.
Researchers discovered that metacyclic trypanosomes are highly infectious and can colonize the skin of mice, leading to systemic infection. A subpopulation of parasites stays in the skin for at least 7 days, multiplying and interacting with local fat cells and collagen fibers.
Researchers have designed three new eyeglasses using high-power prisms to optimally expand the visual fields of patients with hemianopia, a condition that affects over one million Americans. The new devices address limitations of existing prism technology and may provide additional range of vision when scanning in both directions.
A new technology is being used to treat sleep apnea in adolescent patients with Down syndrome, who often struggle with traditional CPAP machines. The first patient showed significant improvement in symptoms after implantation, paving the way for further research.
Researchers at Lund University found that long-eared bats use their large ears and body shape to generate lift, challenging previous assumptions about flying animals. This discovery could lead to new aerodynamic control mechanisms for drones.
Researchers studied how tree crickets adjust their ears to match the changing frequency of their song with rising temperatures. By analyzing nerve cell reactions and ear vibrations, they found that tree cricket ears can adapt at a cellular level to recognize specific frequencies.
A new smartphone application allows users to control a magnified screen projected onto Google Glass using head movements, improving navigation and orientation. The technology has shown a 28% reduction in trial time compared to conventional manual scrolling.
A clinical trial found that patients treated with tacrolimus experienced equal relief of ocular symptoms as those treated with methylprednisolone, with fewer negative serious side effects. The study suggests that tacrolimus is an effective therapeutic option for ocular GVHD without the known hypertensive effects of steroids.
Researchers identified TNFa as a key inflammatory factor causing optic neuropathy in keratoprosthesis recipients. Blocking TNFa with antibodies successfully halted nerve damage in a mouse model, providing new insights into the underlying process and potential therapeutic pathway.
Dr. Joseph Rizzo, a neuro-ophthalmologist at Mass Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School, has received funding from the US Department of Defense to develop a visual prosthesis that can bypass damaged optic nerves and restore vision. The project aims to improve the quality of life for wounded warriors and Americans with severe visual impair...
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.
A new study from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston finds that higher rates of breastfeeding and vaccination significantly reduce the incidence of ear infections in babies. The study also suggests that lower smoking rates contribute to this decline.
Scientists have detected internal movements in LOV photoreceptors using neutron spectroscopy, which can control biological processes with light. The study highlights the potential of neutron scattering experiments for analyzing cellular processes and provides unique insights into protein functionality.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that the brain processes large numbers in the left side of the brain and small numbers on the right. The study's findings could lead to more effective rehabilitation techniques for patients with brain damage and treatments for conditions like dyscalculia.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear have shown a link between mitochondrial dysfunction in corneal endothelial cells and the development of Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. The study found that lifelong accumulation of oxidative DNA damage leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death in FECD tissue.
Researchers found that high-dose atorvastatin regresses lipid deposits and improves visual acuity without progression to advanced disease in dry AMD patients. This potential therapy offers a new avenue for treating the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School have gained new understanding of how endomucin, a key molecule with anti-adhesive properties, prevents inflammatory cells from adhering to blood vessels. By promoting the expression of endomucin, they believe it may be possible to develop treatments for inflammation.
A study by Frank Germann and colleagues found that strong performance brands can improve performance in tasks such as golf putting and math tests. Participants who believed they were using a high-performance brand performed better than those who did not know the brand, even when using the same product. The effect is strongest among nov...
A team of scientists has quantified deep carbon emissions associated with the East African Rift, revealing a significant source of CO2. The study found that faults along the rift act as permeable pathways for deeply-derived CO2, suggesting a previously unrecognized role in global climate change.
Researchers have identified three genetic associations that influence susceptibility to primary open angle glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The study found associations between TXNRD2, ATXN2, and FOXC1 genes, which may lead to the development of gene-based screening tests and therapy for glaucoma patients.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that treating ear mites in Santa Catalina Island foxes reduced ear tumor prevalence by 99% and inflammation by 90%. The success story highlights the impact of preventative treatments on wildlife populations, with improved conditions for foxes' ear canals and a notable decline in tumors.
A survey of 337 patients with hearing loss revealed three distinct strategies for disclosing their disability: basic disclosure, nondisclosure, and multipurpose disclosure. These strategies may empower patients to disclose their hearing loss and improve communication with others.
Researchers propose that bats compare the loudness of echoes in both ears and turn away from the side receiving the loudest echo, avoiding obstacles. This simple algorithm is shown to be effective in steering bats away from obstacles in 2D and 3D environments.
A recent study published in the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved reveals that Non-Hispanic Black Americans have significantly higher rates of nutrient shortfalls compared to Non-Hispanic Whites. The analysis, conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), found that Blacks we...
Researchers found that blind areas in central vision can delay drivers' ability to detect pedestrians, even when using peripheral vision. The study suggests that any binocular central field loss might impact a driver's reaction time.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that whistled Turkish eliminates brain asymmetry in language perception, contradicting the long-held theory of left hemisphere dominance. This discovery sheds new light on the cognitive processing of languages.
Researchers reconstructed an ancient virus to deliver gene therapies, targeting liver, muscle, and retina. The discovery could lead to safer and more potent treatments for various diseases.
Researchers from the University of Calgary developed an ear tag-attached accelerometer unit to monitor rumination and feeding behavior in beef cattle. The technology was able to identify feeding activity correctly 95% of the time, but only identified rumination activity correctly 49% of the time.
Researchers in Egypt have developed a biometric identification system for cattle using unique muzzle features, reducing the risk of food fraud and improving tracking efficiency. The system achieved high accuracy rates of 94% in actual tests, making it a promising solution for ranchers to control their stock.
Researchers at University of Southampton develop translation dictionary for otoliths, allowing them to decode chemical signals about fish migrations. The study also reveals that sex can interfere with these signals, providing new insights into the biology and private lives of fish.
A recent study by the NIH found that nearly 1 in 7 Hispanic/Latino adults have some form of hearing loss, with Puerto Ricans facing the highest risk. The study identified several factors contributing to this risk, including age, education level, and diabetes.
Researchers have developed a prototype of a dynamic sonar system inspired by horseshoe bats, which could lead to more effective man-made sonar systems. The system uses principles similar to those used by bats to navigate and hunt in the dark.
Researchers found that locating an object by listening to echoes requires good high-pitch hearing in both ears. The study's results suggest that individuals with high-frequency hearing loss or single-sided deafness would struggle to use this method, highlighting the need for bilateral hearing aids in some cases.
Researchers at University of Nottingham launch new app BabyFace to collect images of newborn babies' feet, face, and ears for premature baby research. The app aims to improve survival rates in developing countries with smartphone technology.
Researchers developed a wearable collision warning device to help patients with peripheral vision loss avoid collisions. The device gave auditory warnings only when users approached obstacles, reducing collisions by 37% and improving mobility performance.
A new study by Mass Eye and Ear surgeons found that professional singers experience no impairment in their voices after thyroid surgery using a neural monitoring system. The research showed 100% return to performance rate and mean time to performance was 2.26 months, with vocal fatigue being the most affected parameter.