Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have developed a gene therapy that protects retinal ganglion cells and improves their function in animal models of glaucoma. The therapy has also been shown to increase oxygen consumption and ATP production in human retinal cells, indicating enhanced cell performance.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateSep 9, 2024
The world's first combined whole eye and face transplant has demonstrated allograft survival, including rejection-free graft survival. The transplanted eye has maintained normal pressure, good blood flow, and some remaining structure and functions in the retina. Researchers are now focused on understanding how to restore sight.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A breakthrough technology allows for touchless infrared imaging to monitor changes in pupil size and gaze direction behind closed eyes. This innovation can help identify wakefulness, awareness, and pain in sleep, anesthesia, and intensive care, enabling more accurate clinical decision-making.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateSep 8, 2024
Researchers found that vision impairments contribute significantly to the development of dementia in older adults, with a population attributable fraction ranging from 4.9% to 19.0%. The study highlights the importance of incorporating multiple objective measures of vision impairment into assessments to capture its impact on dementia.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateSep 5, 2024
Researchers discovered that a 30-million-year-old feline ancestor had both brown and gray-eyed individuals, paving the way for modern felid iris color diversity. The study found a correlation between yellow eyes and round pupils, as well as an ancestral population with brown eyes only before gaining gray-eyed individuals.
SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournaliScience·DateAug 16, 2024
Implementing diabetic retinopathy screening using in-clinic retinal photographs and automated software analysis increased screening rates among low-income minority patients. The clinic's strategy, including patient tracking and selective eye dilation, reduced the insufficient exam rate and improved detection rates.
SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 22, 2024
Researchers at UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital have identified biomarkers that predict which patients with glaucoma are at higher risk of continued vision loss despite conventional treatment. Mitochondrial function in white blood cells is lower in people with glaucoma, leading to faster vision loss.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2024
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 investigate the effects of space travel on astronauts' eye health, specifically fluid shift and its relation to Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). They examine potential countermeasures, such as lower body negative pressure, to combat microgravity-induced changes in ocular perfusion pressure.
SourceTexas A&M University·Journalnpj Microgravity·DateJun 18, 2024
Researchers developed a reliable iris recognition method by applying statistical limits to the spatial domain zero crossing technique, reducing errors to 0.022%. The algorithm uses a neural network to recognize unique features of each person's iris, achieving over 99.78% accuracy.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Bioinformatics Journal·DateJun 5, 2024
Researchers found that young African fish raised in cloudy water developed larger eye structures than those raised in clear water. As the fish age, they lose this ability to adapt. The study also showed that older fish have bigger brains and optic lobes, suggesting different sensory demands at various stages of life.
SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2024
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 at the University of East Anglia have developed a novel resin for 3D printing intraocular devices, offering unprecedented levels of customization and design precision. This innovation has potential to enhance eye care globally with tailored lenses, faster production, and cost reduction.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCurrent Eye Research·TypeNews article·DateMay 19, 2024
A pioneering CRISPR gene editing trial has demonstrated significant improvement in vision for 79% of participants with inherited retinal degeneration. The study's findings support further research into the potential of CRISPR-based treatments for inherited blindness.
SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 6, 2024
Researchers analyzed genomes of 363 bird species and found significant variations in cryptochrome 4 gene, indicating adaptation to environmental conditions. This specialization could be related to magnetoreception in migratory birds.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2024
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.
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester used adaptive optics to identify rare retinal ganglion cells that could help explain how humans perceive color. These non-cardinal RGCs may work in tandem with cardinal RGCs to create more complex color perceptions.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJNeurosci·DateApr 15, 2024
The study found that Streptococcus and Pedobacter bacteria species were present in healthy eyes, while more Acinetobacter species were found in dry eye samples. This knowledge could lead to improved treatments for various eye problems and diseases affecting the gut microbiome.
SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateMar 26, 2024
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a patented contact lens material that acts as a bandage for corneal wounds, releasing drugs in a controlled manner to enhance healing. The material, which uses collagen-based technology, achieves complete wound healing within five days in human cell culture studies.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPharmaceutics·DateMar 21, 2024
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing genetic treatments for hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis and inherited vision loss. They created a new type of lipid nanoparticle, called Thio-lipids, that can deliver therapeutic payloads to the lungs and retina.
SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2024
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.
The study reveals a significant prevalence of refractive error in African American adults, affecting their quality of life and work productivity. Providing universal vision care coverage can reduce this burden by over two-thirds, improving lives and increasing economic opportunities.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateFeb 22, 2024
Researchers discovered how an offshoot of vitamin A generates the cells that enable people to see millions of colors. The study found that a molecule called retinoic acid determines whether a cone will specialize in sensing red or green light, making humans uniquely color-savvy.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2024
The Organoid group at the Hubrecht Institute produced the first organoid model of the human conjunctiva, which functions like real human conjunctiva. The researchers discovered a new cell type called tuft cells that become more abundant under allergy-like conditions and play a role in eye's reaction to allergies.
SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2024
A Learning Health System model is being developed to increase organ donation and reduce disparities in access to transplantation. The project, led by Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, will use data tools to track progress and improve equity in organ donation across the US.
SourceHennepin Healthcare Research Institute·DateDec 21, 2023
A diagnostic study of 1,890 eyes supports the use of artificial intelligence in screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and assessing symptom severity. Retinal photographs may improve accessibility to specialized assessments by reducing resource strain.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 15, 2023
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.
Social determinants like food insecurity and housing issues were linked to lower likelihoods of receiving diabetic retinopathy screening. The study highlights the importance of addressing barriers to care for promoting health equity.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateNov 16, 2023
Research by Hokkaido University's Masayo Soma found that Java sparrows show increased swelling in their eye rings when paired with a preferred mate. This change serves as a rapid indicator of mating readiness and plays a crucial role in communication between pair-bonded birds.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023
New studies from UCLA Health found that measuring pupil response to light before TMS treatment correlates with improved depression symptoms. Pupil size reflects activation of the autonomic nervous system, which is negatively impacted in people with depression. Researchers discovered a significant association between baseline pupil cons...
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBrain Stimulation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers have developed high-resolution near-eye displays with integrated light field technology, overcoming limitations of earlier displays. The new designs feature improved resolution, pixel density, and vision correction capabilities, resulting in enhanced visual comfort and immersive VR experiences.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateSep 19, 2023
Researchers developed an AI foundation model for eye care that can identify sight-threatening eye diseases and predict general health. The model, RETFound, was trained on millions of eye scans from the NHS and outperforms existing state-of-the-art AI systems across complex clinical tasks.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2023
A team of UC Irvine scientists discovered a llama-derived antibody called a nanobody that can halt Rhodopsin's misfolding and activation, potentially treating Retinitis Pigmentosa. This breakthrough offers new hope for targeting gene therapies for the condition.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023
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.
Scientists have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect cells using multiple entry points beyond ACE2, explaining its ability to jump between species. This finding highlights the need for continued monitoring of coronaviruses and their potential to cause future pandemics.
University of Melbourne researchers have discovered that T cells patrol the human eye, protecting it from pathogens and inflammation. The study uses a new imaging technique to capture dynamic behavior of these cells in response to different stimuli.
SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 24, 2023
Researchers have developed a biodegradable fluorescent nanoprobe to detect diabetic retinopathy (DR) at its early molecular stage. The nanoprobe binds to VEGFR-2, expressed in the retinal microvessels, allowing for early diagnosis and intervention.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2023
Researchers developed an AI model to estimate best-corrected visual acuity from fundus photographs in patients with diabetic macular edema, achieving accuracy within one to two lines on a standard chart. The study's findings support the potential of AI in clinical settings, with opportunities for further improvement.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJun 8, 2023
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.
A new clinical trial found that low-dose atropine eye drops are effective in slowing the progression of nearsightedness in children. The treatment showed significant improvements in limiting eyeglass prescription changes and inhibiting elongation of the eye, with a daily drop in each eye being enough to make a difference.
SourceOhio State University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 1, 2023
A diagnostic study using 4,095 retinal fundus images found that biomarker-based AI algorithms can be susceptible to racial bias, even when trained on raw images. This issue highlights the need for careful evaluation of AI performance in diverse populations.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 4, 2023
A team of researchers studied mudskippers to understand the evolution of blinking, a crucial behavior for eye health and communication. They found that blinking emerged as an adaptation to life on land, with three main functions: wetting, cleaning, and protecting the eye.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology found that Russian-speaking readers, including both children and adults, rely on orthographic information during parafoveal pre-processing. The participants were able to recognize words with incorrect letter order more easily than those with pseudohomophones.
SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateMar 21, 2023
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 in 18.2% of tear samples from patients with COVID-19, and in 12.1% of those collected using the Schirmer strip test. The method may predict patient prognosis and provide an alternative to uncomfortable nasopharyngeal swabbing.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateFeb 16, 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.
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
Researchers at SUNY Optometry aim to provide a deeper understanding of the biology of myopia, a leading cause of vision impairment worldwide. The study will investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling eye growth and develop new treatments for refractive errors.
SourceState University of New York College of Optometry·DateDec 29, 2022
Researchers found that a one-year increase in retinal age was associated with a 10% higher risk of incident kidney failure over 11 years. Retinal age gap, a non-invasive biomarker based on retinal imaging, may help identify people at elevated risk for kidney failure.
SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateDec 5, 2022
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 Collaborative Research Centre investigates animal navigation using the Earth's magnetic field. The study focuses on vertebrates, including birds and fish, aiming to protect endangered migratory species.
A new study using artificial intelligence has found that a simple eye test can accurately predict the risk of heart disease. The researchers developed an algorithm that can analyze retinal images to assess cardiovascular health, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional risk scores.
SourceKingston University·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2022
A randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis found that antibiotic eye drops significantly shortened symptoms of conjunctivitis in children. The study's results suggest a promising treatment option for this common childhood condition.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 4, 2022
A new study has partly restored the function of retina's cone receptors in two completely colorblind children using gene therapy. The treatment has been shown to activate previously dormant communication pathways between the retina and brain, drawing on the plastic nature of the developing adolescent brain.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 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 have found that children with autism show significant differences in their pupillary light reflexes, which can be used as a potential screening biomarker. The study demonstrates the parameters of interest that matter for detecting autism and validates earlier findings using monocular technology.
SourceWashington State University·JournalNeurological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022
Observational research suggests that 7-MX inhibits excessive eye lengthening and slows myopia progression in Danish children. The study found that higher doses of 7-MX were more effective in slowing myopia growth.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2022
Researchers developed a novel biologically-inspired intraoral camera with a wide-angle insect eye structure, increasing field of view and resolving optical aberrations. The device provides multifunctional dental imaging, including high dynamic range, 3D depth, and autofluorescence, without discomfort or image blur.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateAug 19, 2022
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.
A new study found that Black patients are six times more likely to have advanced vision loss after a glaucoma diagnosis, highlighting the need for early eye screening in this population. The research analyzed nearly 210,000 participants and used artificial intelligence to identify visual field loss patterns.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 25, 2022
A new study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that paintball gun assaults can cause vision-threatening emergencies, including ruptured globes and permanent blindness. The research revealed a significantly higher rate of severe eye injuries than previously known, with some patients requiring multiple surgeries.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateJul 13, 2022
A study led by Flinders University reveals that Australia's Letter-winged kite may not have enhanced vision for nighttime hunting as previously thought. The research found similar eye dimensions to its daytime-hunting relatives, contradicting decades of speculation about the kite's visual system.
SourceFlinders University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeCase study·DateMay 24, 2022
The USPSTF concludes that there is not enough evidence to support regular screening for impaired visual acuity in older adults. This recommendation applies to asymptomatic adults over 65 who do not have known vision problems. The number of affected adults is estimated at 2.9 million in 2015.
Scientists have found that transplanting faecal microbiota from young mice into old mice can reverse hallmarks of ageing in the gut, eyes, and brain. The study suggests that gut microbes play a role in regulating some of the detrimental effects of ageing, offering a potential solution in the form of gut microbe replacement therapy.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 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.
Research by Sightsavers and others estimates that blind people are nearly four times as likely to experience anxiety and depression as those with no vision impairment. The study highlights the need for governments and organizations to be aware of this issue and design health services to address it.
SourceSightsavers·JournalInternational Health·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 2022
The new eye detection system allows for clear iris image capture from 2m away and can process over 700 frames per second, enabling real-time biometric identification. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize security and access control in various settings.
SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 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
A study by Dr. Fuhimiro Kano and colleagues found that humans can distinguish gaze directions from each other more accurately than chimpanzees, particularly in challenging conditions. The researchers used computerized tasks to present images of human and chimpanzee eyes to both species, with white sclera in the chimpanzee eye improving...
SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournaleLife·DateMar 8, 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.
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
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improved eye health services are associated with moving closer to achieving seven SDGs. Multiple direct connections were discovered between eye health services and increased productivity, household expenditure, income, education, and equality.
SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateFeb 24, 2022
Researchers at CRCHUM have identified damaged nanotubes connecting pericytes as a major contributor to glaucoma. The study reveals that restoring calcium equilibrium within pericytes can recover vascular and neuronal functions, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022
Regular exercise boosts tear quantity and film stability to relieve dry eye symptoms. Studies show even low-intensity activity can improve ocular health.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalExperimental Eye Research·DateFeb 3, 2022
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.