New Atlas

Science Audio available

Brain aging could explain why time feels like it moves faster as we get older

Rich Haridy March 20, 2019

The subjective sense that time moves faster as we get older is a universal one, and over the years scientists have proffered a number of different explanations as to why this happens. A new and strange hypothesis attempts to explain the phenomena, and it has to do with our aging brains.

A new hypothesis suggests as we grow old our brains process less images at a slower ...

Medical

Hydrogel contact lens could save wearers' vision

Ben Coxworth March 12, 2019

Caused by autoimmune diseases, chemical burns, or sometimes even as a side effect of eye surgery, corneal melting is an incurable disease that's a major cause of blindness. It could someday be treated using a contact lens, however, which is currently in the works.

The therapeutic contact would be applied just like a normal lens, one of which is pictured ...

Medical Audio available

Alzheimer's eye test could catch the disease before symptoms appear

Rich Haridy March 11, 2019

A compelling new study has reported that statistically significant differences can be identified in the retinas of patients with Alzheimer's disease. The finding paves the way for a future where the disease could be diagnosed from a simple eye scan before major symptoms appear.

A newly published study adds weight to the growing body of evidence suggesting cognitive decline can ...

Medical Audio available

"Smart" needle senses tissue pressure to know exactly where it is

Ben Coxworth February 25, 2019

It's safe to say that no one likes the thought of getting a needle in the eye. If they have to, therefore, it would certainly be best if the procedure were performed correctly the first time. A new "smart" tissue-sensing needle is designed to help that happen.

An illustration of the i2T2 needle being used to deliver medication to the eye's suprachoroidal space

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