New Atlas

Science Audio available

First human gene therapy surgery attempts to halt common form of vision loss

Rich Haridy February 19, 2019

In an extraordinary milestone procedure, scientists in the UK have performed the first gene therapy operation aimed at stopping progression of the most common cause of vision loss. The success of the procedure is yet to be determined.

A novel form of gene therapy may save the vision of millions of people around the ...

Medical Audio available

Leukemia treatment unexpectedly discovered in eye drops developed for retinal disease

Rich Haridy December 19, 2018

New research has found a promising leukemia treatment in an eye drop already being developed to battle retinal neovascular disease. The research revealed the eye-drops, still in a pre-clinical stage of development, target the same gene that inhibits the progression of this aggressive blood cancer.

Researchers have found that eye drops being developed to treat retinal neovascular disease could be used ...

Biology Audio available

Discovery explains how cells in the eye sense light and adjust our circadian rhythms

Rich Haridy November 28, 2018

A study from researchers at the Salk Institute has uncovered a profound new insight into how our circadian rhythms are regulated through light-sensing mechanisms within our eyes. The research could lead to new ways to combat insomnia and help people with disrupted circadian rhythms.

Salk researchers Ludovic Mure and Satchidananda Panda hope to find new treatments that can mitigate the ...

Medical

Patch delivers medication by breaking needles off in the eye

Ben Coxworth November 19, 2018

We've already heard about "microneedle" patches that deliver medication through the skin. Well, scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore have taken the same approach to treating eye diseases. They've developed a patch laden with tiny needles, which get poked into the eyeball.

The eye patch measures 2 by 2 mm in its present form, and contains nine microneedles

Medical Audio available

Eye implant uses magnets to manage glaucoma

Ben Coxworth November 9, 2018

Glaucoma occurs when a blockage causes aqueous humor fluid to accumulate within the eye faster than it can drain out. This increases intraocular pressure, which can in turn damage the optic nerve, causing blindness. A new implant, however, may be particularly effective at reducing that pressure.

The implant is activated via externally-applied magnetic fields

Medical

Cell-laden contact lens being developed to treat eye injuries

Ben Coxworth November 2, 2018

Currently, if someone has a damaged cornea (the surface of the eye), it's covered with a "bandage" made from the amniotic membrane of human placentas. While this helps repair the eye, an Australian scientist is developing what he believes may be a better alternative – a wound-healing contact lens.

A conventional scleral contact lens, this one used to treat dry eye

Games

Bend your brain with the best optical illusions of 2018

Rich Haridy October 31, 2018

The mysteries of human perception are endlessly fascinating. For over a decade the Neural Correlate Society has been running an annual competition celebrating the best new perceptual illusions, and the 2018 winners are sure to short-circuit your brain … in the best possible way.

The winning entry in this year's Best Illusion of the Year Contest presents a 2D picture ...

Medical

New research affirms potential of eye scans to detect Alzheimer’s disease early

Rich Haridy October 30, 2018

New research presented at the recent Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology has solidified a growing body of evidence suggesting Alzheimer’s disease can be diagnosed in seconds using a non-invasive eye scan.

A growing body of evidence is suggesting a strong correlation between Alzheimer's disease and a thinning ...

Medical Audio available

Eye implant could more effectively prevent a common form of blindness

Ben Coxworth October 29, 2018

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in older people, with the "wet" form of the disease being responsible for about 90 percent of all cases of AMD-related severe vision loss. There may be new hope, however, in the form of an experimental eye implant.

The Port Delivery System incorporates an implanted drug reservoir, which is externally refilled

Health & Wellbeing

Cornell app looks users in the eye to gauge alertness

Ben Coxworth October 19, 2018

Given that our level of alertness varies throughout the day, it only makes sense that we should avoid performing attention-demanding tasks when we're at our drowsiest. An experimental new Android app is designed to determine when those times are, by examining users' eyes.

The AlertnessScanner app photographs users' pupils every time they unlock their phone