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Astronomers find 7 dwarf galaxies with new telescope

Astronomers at Yale University have discovered seven previously unseen dwarf galaxies using a novel telescope that can detect low-surface-brightness objects. The finding suggests the possibility of a new class of galaxies in space, with potential implications for dark matter and galaxy evolution.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 10, 2014

Bake your own droplet lens

Researchers have developed a new process to create high-quality lenses at a low cost, making them suitable for various applications including disease detection, scientific research, and education. The lenses were created using a simple method involving the hanging and curing of droplets of transparent silicone polymer.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateApr 24, 2014

Flat-pack lens boosts solar power

Micro-machining enables the creation of almost flat Fresnel lenses that significantly increase solar panel efficiency. The new design allows for a more precise focus of incident light, resulting in a four-fold increase in peak power compared to traditional panels.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Precision Technology·DateFeb 10, 2014

Strobe glasses improve hockey players' performance

A Duke University study found that strobe glasses improved hockey players' performance by forcing their visual system to train in difficult conditions. The glasses produced stroboscopic visual conditions, resulting in an 18% improvement in on-ice skills and demonstrating potential benefits for sports performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalAthletic Training & Sports Health Care·DateDec 13, 2013

Morning vs nighttime replacement affects adverse events with extended-wear contact lenses

A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that replacing extended-wear/continuous-wear contact lenses in the morning reduces overall adverse event rates by about four percent compared to nightly replacement. Morning lens replacement also significantly lowers mechanical adverse events, such as corneal scratches.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateDec 10, 2012

Put yourself in someone else’s shoes: What type of perspective makes consumers self-conscious?

Researchers found that people who use an actor's perspective experience stronger joy and excitement but greater pride and guilt when recalling past events. In contrast, observers experience heightened sadness and embarrassment. The study highlights the importance of perspective in shaping emotional experiences.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 15, 2011

Tinted specs offer real migraine relief, says fMRI study

A new study published in Cephalalgia suggests that precision ophthalmic tints can suppress cortical activation in the brain, reducing migraine symptoms. The lenses significantly reduced discomfort when viewing stressful patterns, with a 70% reduction in distress.

SourceSAGE·JournalCephalalgia·DateMay 26, 2011

Strobe eyewear training may improve visual abilities

Researchers at Duke University found that strobe-like eyewear can improve visual abilities, particularly in detecting brief stimuli and small changes in motion. The study involved nearly 500 participants who trained with either strobe or control eyewear, showing some improvements in noticing brief stimuli after training.

Treatment for headaches and dizziness caused by traumatic brain injury appears promising, study says

A recent study by Michigan physicians found that specialized eyeglass lenses containing prisms can alleviate or eliminate post-concussive symptoms in patients with traumatic brain injury. The treatment targets vertical heterophoria, a binocular vision condition causing headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and other symptoms.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateJun 4, 2010

New solar concentrator design

Researchers at University of California, San Diego developed a new solar concentrator design that minimizes materials, alignment, and assembly costs. The innovative system collects sunlight with thousands of small lenses imprinted on a common sheet, reducing the need for individual photovoltaic cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 21, 2010

Next generation lens promises more control

Duke University engineers have created a new generation of lens that surpasses traditional lenses in focusing electromagnetic rays, with a wide angle of view and flat focal point. The lens is made from exotic composite materials known as metamaterials and has the potential to replace traditional optical systems.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 20, 2009

Myopia appears to have become more common

Researchers found a statistically significant increase in myopia prevalence among US participants from 1971 to 2004, with higher rates observed in younger individuals. The study suggests that modifiable risk factors for myopia development could lead to the creation of cost-effective intervention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateDec 14, 2009

Liquid lens creates tiny flexible laser on a chip

Researchers create Liquid-Gradient Refractive Index (L-GRIN) lenses using water and calcium chloride, enabling precise control over light direction. These fluidic lenses can be fabricated on chips and have potential applications in optical tweezers and medical imaging.

SourcePenn State·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMay 11, 2009