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New gene therapy offers promise for treating glaucoma – as well as AMD

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Combined whole eye and face transplant

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 9, 2024

Closed eye imaging can track wakefulness, awareness, and pain in unresponsive conditions such as sleep, anesthesia, and intensive care

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

Unlocking the kaleidoscope of big cat eyes: The surprising evolution of felid eye color diversity

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
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.

Implementing diabetic retinopathy screening using in-clinic retinal photographs and automated software analysis increases screening rates for diabetic retinopathy among low-income minority patients

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

Biomarkers reveal how patients with glaucoma may respond to treatment

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
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.

Cloudy waters causes African fish to develop bigger eyes

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

Participants of pioneering CRISPR gene editing trial see vision improve

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
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.

How evolution has optimized the magnetic sensor in birds

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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Healing eyes with contact lenses

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

Uncorrected refractive error in the African American eye disease study

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

Lab-grown retinas explain why people see colors dogs can’t

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

Producing tears in a dish: researchers develop first model of human conjunctiva

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
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.

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.

Something in the eyes: Java Sparrows in love show enhanced eye rings

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

Pupil response may shed light on who responds best to transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression

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

Expanding the VR immersion comfort zone

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
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 discover specialized immune cells patrolling the human eye

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

Accuracy of AI in estimating best-corrected visual acuity from fundus photographs in eyes with diabetic macular edema

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
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.

Eye drops slow nearsightedness progression in kids, study finds

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

Mudskippers could be key to understanding evolution of blinking

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

Readers found to rely on word spelling rather than sound in reading

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
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.

Combining multiple maps reveal new genetic risk factors for blindness

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

Aging in the eye predicts risk for kidney failure

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
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.

How animals find their way

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.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·DateNov 25, 2022

Risk of heart disease can be predicted with simple eye test through artificial intelligence algorithm, research involving London's Kingston University finds

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
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.

Gene therapy for completely colorblind children partly restores cone function

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

Eye test could screen children for autism

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
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.

Ultrathin dental camera inspired by insect-eye structure

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

Black patients found six times more likely to have advanced vision loss after glaucoma diagnosis than white patients

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

Assaults with paintball guns cause more serious eye injuries than previously known, new study reports

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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Hawk’s eyes may not help the world’s only nocturnal hawk hunt at night

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

Faecal transplants reverse hallmarks of ageing

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
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.

Cell fusion ‘awakens’ regenerative potential of human retina

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

The language of the eyes

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

Bunkers that save sight? Researchers take a close look

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

Improving eye health essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goals

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Glaucoma: Seeing the light at the end of the (nano)tunnel

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