New Atlas

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

Medical Audio available

Color-changing contact lens could outdo eye drops

Ben Coxworth October 10, 2018

If you've ever tried using eye drops, then you'll know that a great deal of the medication simply ends up being flushed from your eye by flowing tears. Drug-dispensing contact lenses are an alternative, with an experimental new one changing color to verify that it's done its job.

According to some studies, less than five percent of drugs in eye drops are absorbed by ...

3D Printing Audio available

Prototype bionic eye created with custom 3D printer

Ben Coxworth August 29, 2018

When he was an assistant professor at Princeton University, Michael McAlpine led the development of a 3D-printed bionic ear. Now an associate professor at the University of Minnesota, he has gone on to 3D-print a rudimentary bionic eye.

The photodiodes are made of a semiconducting polymer printed over a base of silver-containing ink