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New research finds how fighting female flies focus on their foes

Scientists have uncovered how aggression affects vision in female fruit flies, revealing three distinct mechanisms that regulate visual attention. This breakthrough provides insight into the link between sensory information and social behaviors, with potential implications for understanding and treating neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

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.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 3, 2024

Nerve cells of blind mice retain their visual function

Researchers at TU Wien found that retinal ganglion cells retain their ability to produce different signals even after blindness. These intrinsic properties are stable and can be utilized in retinal implants, leading to better stimulation strategies for blind patients.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 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.

Key to the invisible world found. ICTER scientists decipher two-photon vision

Researchers developed a method to measure the brightness of two-photon stimuli using photometric units, enabling the quantification of perceived brightness. The study found that two-photon retinal illumination can reach almost 670 cd/m² in safe laser power ranges.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 4, 2024

Pistachios may help improve eye health, new study finds

A new study found that consuming pistachios daily can significantly improve eye health by increasing macular pigment optical density due to the plant pigment lutein. Lutein may also benefit brain function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting overall healthy aging.

SourceAmerican Pistachio Growers·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 24, 2024
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.

Long-term antiviral use is key to ocular shingles treatment

Researchers found that using valacyclovir for a year can decrease the risk of new or worsening eye disease and prevent vision loss associated with shingles. The study, which enrolled over 500 participants, showed that this treatment reduced the risk of complications by 30%.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateOct 19, 2024

Are auditory magic tricks possible for a blind audience?

A new article investigates whether auditory magic tricks can be created for a blind audience, finding that the brain processes visual and auditory information differently. This study underscores the importance of making magic more inclusive for people with blindness.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 4, 2024

Gene therapy effective in hereditary blindness

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet successfully used gene therapy to improve vision in 11 out of 12 patients with Bothnia dystrophy, a form of hereditary blindness. The treatment involved injecting a specially designed virus under the retina, which produced normal protein and restored visual function.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 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.

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

100x improvement in sight seen after gene therapy trial

A Phase 1/2 clinical trial found significant vision improvements in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare inherited condition causing early childhood blindness. The gene therapy, ATSN-101, demonstrated efficacy in correcting genetic mutations and restoring vision for up to 12 months.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 5, 2024
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.

Posture's impact on virtual walking enhanced by foot vibrations

Synchronized foot vibrations and posture significantly enhance virtual walking experiences, with standing postures showing the most improvement. This technology has practical applications in training, rehabilitation, and entertainment, offering improved immersion and realism.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Blind cavefish have extraordinary taste buds

Researchers found that blind cavefish develop more taste buds on their head and chin, particularly after 18 months of age. This adaptation is thought to be an adaptive trait, allowing the fish to better detect food sources like bat guano.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2024
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.

Caregiving: Poll reveals who’s providing care and who they’re caring for

A new poll finds that over 30% of people in their 50s and early 60s provide care to at least one person with a health issue or disability, while 1 in 10 juggle taking care of three or more people. The majority of caregivers are caring for someone with a physical disability or mobility problem, followed by memory or thinking issues.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateAug 6, 2024

Medicaid vision coverage for adults varies widely by state

A study funded by the National Eye Institute found that 6.5 million Medicaid enrollees lacked routine adult eye exam coverage, while 14.6 million had no eyeglasses coverage. State-level variation in coverage policies and copays hindered access to essential eye care services.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 6, 2024

Early vision loss linked with difficulty judging sounds

A new study published in Optometry and Vision Sciences found that people with early vision loss are less accurate at estimating the distance of sound compared to those who lose sight later in life. This difficulty can have safety implications, such as judging distances while crossing roads.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 19, 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
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.

Effects of visual and auditory instructions on space station procedural tasks

This study compared the effects of augmented reality (AR) visual and auditory instructions on space station astronauts completing procedural tasks. The results showed that AR visual guidance was superior to auditory guidance in terms of task completion time, operation error frequency, and eye movement data.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateJul 4, 2024

The f-ORG technique will detect the smallest changes in human photoreceptors

A team of scientists developed a method to quickly measure the frequency characteristics of photoreceptors' response to flicker stimulation, allowing for faster diagnosis of visual disorders. The new technique, called f-ORG, reduces the time required to conduct experiments and analyze data.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 6, 2024

Innovative bird-eye-inspired camera developed for enhanced object detection

Researchers have developed a new perovskite-based camera inspired by the structures and functions of bird's eyes, specializing in object detection. The camera features an artificial fovea and multispectral image sensor that detects UV and RGB light, providing greater motion detection capabilities than conventional cameras.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

New study maps priorities for UK eye care research

A new study has mapped priorities for UK eye care research, highlighting conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration as key areas of focus. The survey involved 2,240 healthcare professionals and patients, revealing opportunities for improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEye·TypeSurvey·DateMay 29, 2024
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.

Study explains why the brain can robustly recognize images, even without color

Researchers found that early exposure to limited color information helps the brain develop robust object recognition skills. Children born blind who have their sight restored later in life struggle with identifying objects in black-and-white images due to overreliance on color cues. The study suggests that early visual experience plays...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2024
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Place-based measures of inequity and vision difficulty and blindness

Residential segregation, income inequality, and persistent poverty are associated with higher rates of vision difficulty and blindness in this cross-sectional study. The findings highlight the importance of understanding neighborhood characteristics on vision health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 9, 2024

Breakthrough paves the way for next generation of vision implants

Researchers created an ultra-small vision implant with single-neuron sized electrodes, allowing for thousands of 'pixels' to be stimulated simultaneously. The implant's unique combination of flexible materials ensures long-term functionality and stability.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Prolonged eye patching does not have negative impact on family stress levels or child’s development according to first if its kind study

Extended periods of patching for children with unilateral congenital cataracts do not negatively impact parenting stress, child motor development, behavior, or self-perception. A new study found that continuing to patch throughout preschool years is crucial in preventing blindness and promoting healthy vision.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 18, 2024

AI makes retinal imaging 100 times faster, compared to manual method

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.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2024
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.

Chicks prove vision and touch linked at birth

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that newly hatched chicks can link touch and vision without prior learning, suggesting a pre-wired ability for cross-modal perception. This finding contradicts long-held beliefs and opens new avenues in understanding brain processing across senses.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 2, 2024

Astronauts have surprising ability to know how far they ‘fly’ in space

Research by York University finds astronauts can safely assess distances in microgravity environments, which may provide clues to understanding balance systems on Earth. The study suggests that humans are able to compensate for the lack of gravity using vision, enabling precise movements and evasive maneuvers.

SourceYork University·Journalnpj Microgravity·DateMar 25, 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
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Vision impairment and psychosocial function in older adults

A new study by Johns Hopkins University reveals that vision impairment is linked to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as social isolation among older adults. The research emphasizes the need for enhanced support and care for individuals with vision impairment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateFeb 22, 2024

UC Irvine study shows similarities and differences in human and insect vision formation

A recent UCI study found profound similarities between humans and insects in producing the critical light-absorbing molecule of the retina, 11-cis-retinal. The research provides new insights into retinal disease origins and potential therapeutic targets, with implications for understanding loss-of-function mutations in RPE65.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 22, 2024

Mount Sinai ophthalmologists develop novel protocol to rapidly diagnose and treat eye stroke

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.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalOphthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 2024
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.

Knowing what dogs like to watch could help veterinarians assess their vision

A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that dogs are most engaged when watching videos featuring other animals, with content featuring other dogs being the most popular. The research aims to improve the assessment of canine vision and support a healthier life for dogs as they age.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·DateJan 18, 2024

Tactile lithophane development makes hard scientific data available to students with blindness

A Baylor University chemistry professors develop a codex using lithophane, converting images from scientific textbooks into tactile formats for students with blindness. The study found that students with blindness can accurately describe, recall and distinguish high-resolution data and imagery at an average accuracy of 88%.

SourceBaylor University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2024
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.

Making table tennis accessible for blind players #Acoustics23

A team of researchers has created an audio feedback system that uses neuromorphic cameras and speaker arrays to provide real-time audio cues in three dimensions. The system enables blind players to track the ball and movements, allowing them to play table tennis with greater accuracy.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2023

A farsighted approach to tackle nearsightedness #Acoustics23

Researchers using acoustic imaging measure eye size and growth to better understand myopia's contributing factors. Education level, light stimulation, and outdoor time are found to correlate with the development of myopia. Current solutions like glasses and contacts are being replaced by eyedrops for children and collaborative efforts ...

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 4, 2023
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.

Fish-like genetic program used to turn human retinal cells into neurons

Researchers have successfully converted human retinal cells, specifically Muller glia, into neurons in a lab setting using an artificial fish-like genetic program. This breakthrough could potentially serve as a new source of neurons to treat vision loss caused by disease or trauma.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 30, 2023

GED recipients have worse health outcomes than high school graduates

Older adults with a GED certificate have higher odds of cognitive impairment, hearing impairment, and limitations in daily activities compared to high school graduates. The study suggests that the cognitive reserve hypothesis may partially explain these disparities, as well as access to healthcare services.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAging and Human Development·DateOct 31, 2023

Vision via sound for the blind

Researchers developed 'acoustic touch' smart glasses that translate visual information into distinct sound icons, enhancing the ability of blind or low-vision individuals to navigate their surroundings. The technology significantly improved object recognition and reaching abilities, empowering independence and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023