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Lab-grown retinal cells show promise for new eye therapies

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have successfully grown specialized blood vessel cells critical to retinal health from induced pluripotent stem cells. These 'retinal endothelial cells' integrated into damaged tissue to regenerate blood vessels, restore function, and form functional vascular tissue in a lab-grown environment.

Seeing through optical noise: a sharper way to image the eye

The STOC-T technology resolves optical noise in eye imaging by fundamentally changing the way imaging data is collected, resulting in sharper images and improved diagnostic accuracy. This new approach addresses the problem earlier, before image construction, rather than relying on post-processing algorithms.

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.

Eyes as a window to hidden brain diseases

Researchers developed a fast, non-invasive, and affordable diagnostic tool using retinal images to differentiate between ALS and Alzheimer's disease. The tool, based on polarized light analysis, accurately predicted disease severity and type with high accuracy.

Project seeks to develop retinal screening for Alzheimer’s

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.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

How a fish knows when to blend in

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New imaging system maps retinal oxygen in unprecedented detail

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.

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.

New imaging approach simplifies retina exams by enabling digital refocusing

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.

Researchers find brain immune cells regulate vision health

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.

New tools to treat retinal degenerations at advanced stages of disease

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.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Retinal clues to mental health

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.

Shining a light on age-related blindness

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.

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.

KAIST Develops Retinal Therapy to Restore Lost Vision​

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.

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.

Montelukast improves retinal health in aging mice

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.

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.

New potential treatment for inherited blinding disease retinitis pigmentosa

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How do we use STOC-T to assess ocular microcirculation?

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.

Combined screening can detect liver damage in diabetes patients

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 ...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Minipigs get stem cell transplants to treat blindness

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.

COVID infection and age-related blindness

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Origin of phagocytes in the vitreous body of the eye discovered

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.

A new target for treatment of one type of macular degeneration

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.

Repurposed drug may help stabilize vision in rare disease

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.

Potential new treatment option for diabetic retinopathy

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.

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.

Taking electroretinography to the next level with a soft multi-electrode system

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...

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.

Why do we blink so much?

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.