While the SARS-CoV-2 virus has dominated the news this past year, researchers continue to study the health effects of the Zika virus, which has been reported in 86 countries globally.
Author: The Medical News
Pioneering new eye test may predict wet AMD three years before symptoms develop
A pioneering new eye test, developed by scientists at UCL in collaboration with the Western Eye Hospital, London, may predict wet AMD, a leading cause of severe sight loss, three years before symptoms develop.
Study: Specific class of drugs can be repurposed to treat genetic diseases
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have published a study showing a promising approach to using drug repurposing to treat genetic diseases.
New data shows encouraging results for patients with neuro-degenerative blinding eye disease
New data published in the Journal Science Translational Medicine shows encouraging results in a worldwide clinical trial for patients diagnosed with the neuro-degenerative blinding eye disease; Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON.)
New clue to protect neurons and encourage their growth found
Many neurodegenerative conditions, from glaucoma to Alzheimer’s disease, are characterized by injury to axons -; the long, slender projections that conduct electrical impulses from one nerve cell to another, facilitating cellular communications. Injury…
Study identifies protein as potential therapeutic target for leishmaniasis vaccines
According to the results of research led by the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), one the various strategies deployed by the Leishmania parasite to avoid triggering the human immune system is to activate the SHP-1 protein.
Largest-ever study finds low complication rates in children who wear soft contact lenses
The largest-ever retrospective study of its kind has found very low complication rates in children who wear soft contact lenses, similar to rates in adults.
RetinAI collaborates with Novartis to provide AI solutions for ophthalmology projects
RetinAI Medical AG announces a multi-year collaboration with Novartis Pharma AG under which RetinAI’s IT solutions and artificial intelligence tools shall be employed to support multiple projects in ophthalmology and digital health. Both companies have…
Drug prescribed for rare enzyme deficiency shows promise to treat herpes viruses
A drug currently prescribed to treat a rare enzyme deficiency can help cells clear the herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 viruses, according to a new study published in the journal Science Advances.
UIC researchers use new approach to identify genes that cause diabetic retinopathy
In a search to discover the genetic factors underlying diabetic retinopathy, University of Illinois Chicago researchers also have identified a new approach that can be used as a template to study other diseases.
Study: Global public health services fail to meet targets to reduce avoidable sight loss
Published in The Lancet Global Health, it examined population-based surveys of eye disease worldwide from 1980 and found public health services across the world are failing to meet targets to reduce avoidable sight loss.
Studies examine rates of blindness and vision impairment worldwide
Sobering new statistics released by the Global Burden of Disease study found no significant reduction in the number of people with treatable sight loss worldwide since 2010 as public health services failed to meet World Health Organization (WHO) targets.
Study uncovers a promising therapeutic target for retinal dystrophies
A team of LSU Health New Orleans researchers reports for the first time that deleting one of the inhibitors of the RPE65 gene in a mouse model that carries a human disease mutation prevents degeneration of cone photoreceptors that are used for daytime …
Researchers find way for customized programming of human stem cells
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) have the potential to convert into a wide variety of cell types and tissues for drug testing and cell replacement therapies. However, the “recipes” for this conversion are often complicated and difficult to implement.
Machine learning model uses retinal scans to detect Alzheimer’s disease
A form of artificial intelligence designed to interpret a combination of retinal images was able to successfully identify a group of patients who were known to have Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting the approach could one day be used as a predictive tool…
New device can allow patients to perform glaucoma eye test at home
Glaucoma is a chronic condition that affects cells at the back of the eye. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and is responsible for 1 in 10 cases of serious sight impairment in the UK.
Non-invasive point of care imaging can aid rapid diagnosis of corneal infections
Simple, non-invasive imaging at the point of care can aid the diagnosis of corneal infections, reducing the risk of sight loss and helping patients’ vision return to pre-infection levels.
Hearing loss experts urge FDA to permit the sale of OTC hearing aids
Hearing loss experts at Mass Eye and Ear are advocating for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement a law passed by Congress permitting the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
Researchers discover undescribed population of neurons that help control eye movements
University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers have discovered a previously undescribed population of neurons that help control our eyes as they view in three-dimensional space.
Study finds diabetes epidemic among Xavante indigenous community in Central Brazil
The Xavante, one of the indigenous communities most vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil, are suffering from an epidemic of diabetes, a “silent” disease considered a risk factor for severe COVID-19.