A new research project aims to develop an eye drop that can detect the fluorescent signal of a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. If successful, this low-cost and accessible screening tool could help identify patients in their earliest stages of the disease, enabling them to receive early treatment.
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Liu's project aims to translate optoretinography into a sensitive clinical biomarker for retinal disease assessment. The fellowship supports interdisciplinary problem-driven research and translation of new technologies into clinical practice.
A new retinal organoid platform has identified biomarkers for Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) and allows for genetic testing of patients. The platform uses small 3D structures of retinal cells to classify variants of uncertain significance in LCA genes.
A new computer modeling approach has simulated retinal development and identified key stages of cell diversification. The research paves the way for understanding retinal diseases and regenerative research using stem cells.
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Researchers have identified the cells and connections underlying a fish's ability to dynamically change color to match its surroundings. The study found that specialized skin cells called melanophores control the color change, which helps the zebrafish evade predators by lightening its skin over tens of minutes.
Researchers observed significant increase in tear film lipid layer thickness and corneal temperature during VR sessions, suggesting stabilization of the tear film. The study provides early insights for VR headset design and usage considerations related to eye comfort and health.
A Northwestern University study found that Chicago parents have low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, with women consuming even lower amounts. This deficiency may have direct negative effects on children's health, including preterm birth risk.
A wireless retinal implant has been shown to restore central vision in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with 81% of participants achieving clinically meaningful improvements in visual acuity. The device converted light into electrical signals, stimulating remaining retinal cells and restoring visual inform...
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A new dual-imaging system simultaneously maps retinal structure and capillary oxygen levels in live mice, allowing researchers to study vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. This non-invasive approach offers a powerful tool for elucidating local capillary values and tracking changes in retinal oxygenation.
Professor John O'Brien's research focuses on understanding the impact of electrical synapses and gap junction plasticity on the retina and other neurological functions. The study aims to identify proteins that control electrical synapse strength, shedding light on their role in human disorders such as autism and seizures.
A new imaging approach has simplified retina exams by eliminating the need for mechanical focusing, making fundus cameras more accessible. The system uses a diffuser to capture 3D light information and digitally refocus images after they are taken, producing consistent resolution of about 7-10 line pairs per millimeter.
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In a breakthrough study, researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that microglia cells respond differently than neutrophils to photoreceptor damage in the retina. This discovery has high implications for treating vision loss caused by photoreceptor cell damage.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Pathology has discovered that ADAM10 regulates abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, which can cause vision loss or impairment. The findings suggest that targeting ADAM10 or its downstream effectors, such as Ephrin B2, may offer novel strategies for managing or preventing retina...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed novel promoters that drive specific gene expression in rod and cone photoreceptors, outperforming most currently used promoters. These tools address the challenge of treating advanced stages of inherited retinal diseases, potentially restoring vision.
Researchers have developed a novel surgical technique to implant multiple tissue grafts in the eye's retina, expanding treatment options for dry AMD. The new method, which maintains eye pressure during graft insertion, promotes photoreceptor survival and regeneration of the choriocapillaris.
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Researchers have found that promoting glucose metabolism in glial cells can relieve inflammation and photoreceptor degeneration in Alzheimer's patients. This discovery presents an exciting new therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's.
A recent study by the University of Zurich examined the connection between retinal nerve connections and schizophrenia. The researchers found that individuals with a higher genetic risk for schizophrenia tend to have thinner retinas, which can be detected using non-invasive retinal measurements.
A new study from the University of Oklahoma is targeting cell communication in the hunt for therapies to slow macular degeneration. The research team is studying how cells in the retina communicate and whether the messages they send could be programmed to treat or slow AMD.
Researchers at KAIST have successfully developed a treatment method that restores vision by inducing retinal regeneration and vision recovery in disease-model mice. The approach involves blocking the PROX1 protein, which suppresses retinal regeneration, using an antibody developed by Celliaz Inc.
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Artificial neural networks trained on spontaneous retinal activity patterns show improved motion prediction in natural scenes. The approach also enhances performance when combined with naturalistic movie data.
A USC Stem Cell mouse study has identified shared genes involved in regenerating cells in the ear and eye, which could lead to new treatments for hearing and vision loss. The researchers discovered that inhibiting a specific protein, p27Kip1, can encourage regeneration in both organs.
A new study found that treating aged mice with montelukast improved retinal health by reducing inflammation and boosting proteasome activity. This approach may offer a promising new way to slow age-related vision loss and protect eye health in older adults.
Researchers discover Dscamb protein regulates spacing between color-detecting cells, ensuring perfect arrangement for optimal vision. The protein acts as a 'self-avoidance enforcer' to maintain proper distances between cone cells.
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Scientists developed a new technology to produce Cre-loxP organisms in a single step, reducing the need for crossbreeding and decreasing production time. The method involves introducing a TAx9 sequence to prevent Cre gene expression in E. coli bacteria, allowing for precise control and modification of gene expression.
A new diagnostic method called flicker optoretinography (f-ORG) analyzes the retina's reaction to light, helping to detect danger before symptoms appear. The technique detects even minor changes in photoreceptors, providing valuable insights into retinal health.
The AI-GS network achieves high accuracy with 93.52% sensitivity at 95% specificity, excelling in detecting early-stage glaucoma. The system is portable, requiring minimal computational power and delivering results in under a second.
Eye saccades enable mammals to chase prey and navigate through complex environments by aligning with optic flow, reducing motion blur. This mechanism allows animals to track erratic movements and react flexibly to changes in direction.
Researchers demonstrate the effectiveness of Ziapin2 in restoring ON, OFF, and ON-OFF responses induced by light stimuli in retinas with retinitis pigmentosa. The molecule restores light-induced behavior and visual acuteness for up to two weeks without toxic or inflammatory effects.
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A University of Houston study found that wearing multifocal contact lenses for myopia control has a lasting effect, slowing eye growth and progression. The study, which followed children from ages 7 to 11 for three years, showed that the treatment benefit remained even after discontinuing treatment.
Two non-retinoid compounds were identified that improve cell surface expression of rhodopsin in 36 genetic subtypes of retinitis pigmentosa and protect against retinal degeneration in mice with the disease. The treatment showed improved overall retina health and function, prolonging photoreceptor survival.
Researchers used STOC-T to visualize retinal microcirculation in real-time, providing insights into the mechanisms of retinal function. The study offers a groundbreaking opportunity for precise monitoring of hemodynamic changes in the retina, enabling early detection and treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A new study published in Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that a combined screening approach can detect liver damage in people with type 2 diabetes. The method involves elastography, an ultrasound-based technique, which was found to be willing to be adopted by most patients. Early detection of liver fibrosis is crucial, as ...
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A research team led by USC aims to create comprehensive maps of retinal nerve connections to understand and combat retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive eye disease affecting 2 million people globally.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have successfully transplanted human retinal sheets into minipigs with damaged macula, resulting in signs of restored vision. The method uses hypoimmunogenic human retinal sheets and has shown promise in treating severe photoreceptor degeneration.
An experimental study in mice found that SARS-CoV-2 infection can damage the retinas, leading to long-term implications for vision. The virus caused widespread inflammation across the retinal pigment epithelium, including complement activation and increased production of inflammatory cytokines.
Researchers have identified a new experimental drug that can bridge the gap between patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and existing treatments. The drug, 32-134D, decreases levels of a key protein involved in AMD, leading to improved vision outcomes.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a novel compound to treat dry age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease, both blindness-causing diseases. The compound has shown therapeutic potential in slowing down disease progression and preserving vision.
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The world's first combined face and whole-eye transplantation successfully used personalized surgical cutting guides and a novel 'shortcut' to maintain blood flow. Innovative techniques ensured optimal blood flow to the retina, safeguarding the viability of the transplanted eye during the procedure.
Researchers have identified shared critical pathways in retinitis pigmentosa disease models using advanced proteomics techniques. This study suggests that disease-modifying treatments could benefit patients with all forms of the disease, regardless of the underlying mutation.
Karimian's research will investigate common hardware-based attacks on biometric systems, including spoofing, template, side-channel, and fault-injection attacks. He also aims to develop a hardware-based biometric template protection system that addresses bias in facial recognition software.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health will use visible-light OCT technology to detect biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The study aims to identify retinal layers and monitor the effects of therapies.
Researchers have introduced DSFN to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses of retinal disorders. This AI-powered medical imaging technique combines retina images with vascular distribution information to accurately locate the fovea in complex clinical scenarios, enabling doctors to detect early signs of ocular diseases.
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Researchers aim to find a new treatment pathway for diabetic retinopathy by targeting the IL-6 protein. They suspect that selectively inhibiting trans-signaling while allowing cis-signaling will stop damage and restore balance in the retina.
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.
Scientists at the University of Augsburg have found that macrophages, also known as scavenger cells, form in the vitreous body of the mouse eye during embryonic development. This new understanding could lead to therapies for diseases like diabetic retinopathy and prenatal vessel defects.
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Researchers found that inhibiting telomerase, an enzyme related to cell growth and division, can suppress abnormal vascular growth in the retina. This discovery provides a potential alternative treatment option for wet AMD, which is currently treated with anti-VEGF injections.
Researchers find that a repurposed drug, crizanlizumab, stabilizes vision in patients with retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukoencephalopathy and systemic manifestations (RVCL-S) after two years of treatment. The study suggests that this may give patients additional years to read, drive, and enjoy activities.
Researchers have developed a new treatment for diabetic retinopathy that addresses the root cause of the disease, preventing progression and potential blindness. The anti-ceramide immunotherapy has been shown to be effective in animal and cell culture models, offering a safer alternative to current treatments.
A new soft multi-electrode system for electroretinography has been developed to overcome the limitations of traditional devices. The system uses a commercially available soft disposable contact lens with gold mesh electrodes, allowing for simultaneous measurement of electrical potentials from different regions of the retina. This innov...
A phase 1/2 trial of CRISPR gene editing has demonstrated safety and efficacy, with measurable improvements in 11 out of 14 participants with a form of inherited blindness. The treatment, EDIT-101, was found to be clinically meaningful for four participants and showed significant improvements in cone-mediated vision.
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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.
Researchers from the University of Rochester found that blinking allows brains to process visual information more effectively, providing a new understanding of how humans see. By modulating visual input, blinks reformulate visual signals, enabling better perception of big patterns and overall visual scenes.
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.
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Researchers at NIH developed a novel AI-based method called P-GAN to improve next-generation imaging of cells in the retina. The technique reduces imaging acquisition and processing time by 100-fold, yielding greater contrast and improving image quality.
A team of scientists from Pohang University of Science & Technology developed an artificial vitreous body based on alginate to treat retinal detachment. The hydrogel maintains vision post-surgery and regulates fluid dynamics within the eye, preventing recurrence and air bubble formation.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered that the ALG6 variant is associated with altered phenotypes in patients with RP59, including delayed peripheral rod degeneration and diminished macular cone photoreceptor health. This study highlights the complex effects of modifier genes in human genetic disease.
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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.
A new study finds that gut bacteria can cause blindness in some inherited eye diseases by breaching the body's defenses. Treating these bacteria with antimicrobials may prevent sight loss, offering a potential new approach to treatment.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests that artificial intelligence can match or exceed the expertise of seasoned ophthalmic specialists in diagnosing and treating patients with glaucoma and retina disorders. The AI system, GPT-4, demonstrated superior performance in response to glaucoma questions and case-management advice.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System developed a novel protocol for rapid diagnosis of eye stroke, improving outcomes and preserving vision. The protocol uses high-resolution retinal imaging in emergency rooms, along with remote consultation, to confirm diagnosis and expedite care.