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Imaging technique reveals new structure in retinal cells

A new imaging technique reveals the presence of a previously unknown organelle called a retinosome, which houses retinyl esters essential to the regeneration process. The discovery could lead to better understanding and treatment of congenital blindness caused by defects in the retinoid cycle.

Stem cells found in adults may repair nerves

Researchers found that adult stem cells can repair nerves, but the process is slow and scar tissue hinders healing. The study suggests that manipulating stem cells and growth factors could stimulate nerve regeneration.

Researchers identify key risk factor for cataracts

A recent study found a significant association between the breakdown of the vitreous gel and the development of nuclear cataracts. The researchers discovered that high levels of vitreous liquefaction were strongly correlated with cataract formation, even after accounting for age.

Purdue researchers create templates on retinal tissues

Biomedical engineers at Purdue used dip-pen nanolithography to create templates on retinal tissue, which can potentially improve transplant strategies for macular degeneration. The research aims to enhance the success of implanting retinal pigment epithelial cells as a treatment for this incurable eye disease.

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.

Surgeons offer new treatment for degenerative eye disease

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new treatment for degenerative eye disease, macular translocation surgery with 360 degree peripheral retinectomy (MT360), which has shown promising results in recovering reading vision in patients. The procedure involves rotating the retina to shift the degenerating macula ...

Laser measurements reveal biological basis of distance perception

Studies using laser measurements reveal the natural basis for human tendencies in judging distances, including a preference for distances of 6-12 feet and equidistance between objects. The findings support the theory that the visual system has evolved to make statistical guesses about distances based on past experience.

Instruction and permission in eye/brain development

Researchers find that spontaneous neuronal activity in the retina is crucial for the formation of separate left and right eye connections to the brain. Blocking all activity in the retina leads to abnormal development of these connections.

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.

Scientists at UCSB link brain plaques in Alzheimer’s disease to eye disease

Researchers at UCSB discovered a connection between Alzheimer's disease and age-related macular degeneration, both linked to the presence of inflammatory plaques. The study suggests that a toxic protein called amyloid beta may be the underlying culprit, stimulating an inflammation process that contributes to vision loss.

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 identify key pathway in the pupil’s response to light

Researchers identify a crucial pathway in the retina that allows the pupil to respond to light, even when rods and cones are absent. This discovery suggests a complex non-visual photoreceptive system in the inner retina that helps regulate the body's internal clock and unconscious activities.

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.

Mouse gene knockout illuminates how light resets clock

Scientists have found that melanopsin plays a significant role in resetting the brain clock to light, but not in visual sight. The discovery suggests that light can reset the clock even if vision is impaired, and may have implications for general well-being, mood, activity levels, and performance.

Secretary Abraham announces next steps for artificial retina project

The US Department of Energy is supporting a project to develop an artificial retina that can capture visual signals and send them to the brain, restoring vision to patients with age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa. The next-generation device aims to have 1,000 electrodes, allowing users to see images.

Ambitious plan to give sight to the blind

Researchers aim to create partial vision for the blind using 1,000 MEMs electrodes attached to the retina. The system, backed by a $9 million grant, promises to enable basic household chores and reading, but not driving.

Should people with diabetes sleep with the lights on?

A study found that people with type 2 diabetes experienced increased oscillatory potentials after dark adaptation, which decreased with oxygen inhalation. The researchers suggest that diabetic patients might benefit from a modified night-time illumination cycle during sleep to reduce oxygen consumption in the retina.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers identify genes associated with aging of the retina

A team of researchers has established the first-ever gene profile of the aging human retina, revealing expression changes in genes involved in stress response and energy metabolism. The study's findings may help scientists understand how age predisposes individuals to age-related diseases such as AMD.

Adaptive optics technology provides powerful tools for eye doctors

Researchers are using adaptive optics to study microscopic structures in human eyes, improving diagnosis of retinal diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. AO-based devices also enable precise measurement of optical aberrations, leading to customized contact lenses and guided laser surgery.

Magnetic fluids offer hope for damaged retinas

Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing injectable magnetic fluids to repair torn or detached retinas, a technique that could help prevent blindness in thousands. The treatment appears promising in laboratory studies, with the potential to be more precise and effective than current methods.

Chip design has potential as artificial retina

A new type of analog processor, compact and fast for image processing, has the potential to replace damaged human retinas with an artificial eye. The cellular nonlinear network (CNN) chip is integrated with a camera to produce an image processor, mimicking the functions of the retina.

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.

Single cell type seems to control internal clock and pupil of eye

A research team found that a small fraction of nerve cells in the retina express melanopsin, which detects light levels and regulates the body's daily cycles. These cells connect to brain areas controlling the clock and pupil response, suggesting a non-visual role for melanopsin.

Tracing the neural circuitry of ‘second sight’

Researchers mapped the neural circuitry of a light-sensing system that governs the body's internal clock and regulates sleep-wake cycles, discoveries that could lead to new treatments for jet lag and depression. The study identified melanopsin as a key player in this system.

Brown researchers find new photoreceptor and visual system in the eye

Researchers at Brown University have identified a new photoreceptor cell in the eye that turns light energy into brain signals, governing the body's 24-hour clock and helping people adjust to jet lag. This discovery expands our understanding of visual systems, suggesting a parallel system to the well-known rods and cones.

Microchip gives blind chance of sight

Researchers from the Office of Naval Research have developed a retinal microchip to restore vision in the blind. The chip electronically stimulates healthy retina cells, transmitting signals to the brain to recognize faces and read large text.

Clues to development of eye's light-sensitive cells found

Researchers have made a breakthrough discovery about the development of rod and cone photoreceptors, the light-sensitive cells in the retina that initiate vision. The study found that the retinal protein Nrl acts as a 'molecular switch,' signaling cells to develop into rods rather than cones.

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.

Magnetic fluids offer hope for treatment of retinal detachment

Virginia Tech researchers have made advances in creating biocompatible magnetic fluids to treat retinal detachment. The new material, made of silicone magnetic nanoparticles, can be injected into the sclera and used with a magnetized buckle to push the retina back against the underlying choroid.

Sensor could increase safety of eye surgery

A new proximity sensor developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory could significantly reduce risks in eye surgery by detecting the location of critical retinal tissues. The sensor alerts surgeons when the endoscope's needle approaches the retina, alleviating concerns and improving precision and safety.

"Star Wars" Technology Finds A Surprise In Our Eyes

Scientists used adaptive optics technology, originally developed for spy satellites, to map out the topography of the inner eye and take unprecedented photographs of retinas. The results show a random arrangement of cones, which could help diagnose and treat diseases like blindness.

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.

Scientists Discover Proteins Which Help Set The Body's Clock

Researchers at UNC Health Care have discovered two proteins, CRY1 and CRY2, which help regulate circadian rhythms. These proteins were found in layers of the retina not involved in forming visual images, and their presence may help set the daily clock from sites in skin cells.