Science Fair Sep 19, 2009
Their study hints at the possibility of curing some human vision disorders. The team inserted specialized nerve cells with the genes for seeing color into the retinas of adult male squirrel monkeys. (USA Today -- Tech)
Loci Color: Gene Therapy Cures Color-Blindness in Adult Monkeys Sep 17, 2009
Unlike some other common vision disorders, such as age-related macular degneration, is a heritable disorder caused by a single gene that is defective or absent. Neitz and his wife, Maureen Neitz, also in the U.W. ophthalmology department, and the rest of their team have pinpointed that gene and developed a working virus vector to carry a functional copy of it. (Scientific American)
'Gene cure' for colour blindness Sep 17, 2009
This provides a positive outlook for the potential of gene therapy to cure adult vision disorders ... "This provides a positive outlook for the potential of gene therapy to cure adult vision disorders," they said. (BBC News -- Americas)
Gene therapy fixes color blindness in monkeys Sep 17, 2009
Results could one day lead to cures for human vision disorders ... The results demonstrate the potential for such methods to eventually cure human vision disorders, from color blindness to possibly other conditions leading to full blindness. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Scientists Cure Color Blindness In Monkeys Sep 17, 2009
Writing online September 15 in the journal Nature, scientists cast a rosy light on the potential for gene therapy to treat adult vision disorders involving cone cells the most important cells for vision in people ... "If we could find a way to do this with complete safety in human eyes, as we did with monkeys, I think there would be a lot of people who would want it. Beyond that, we hope this technology will be useful in correcting lots of different vision disorders.". (Science Daily)
NFL Cardinals' Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald Promotes Vision Therapy Aug 1, 2009
one of the most common vision disorders that interferes with reading, was recently the focus of a scientific study funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Eye Institute. This is a vision problem where the two eyes don't work together in unison the way they are supposed to when one is reading. (PR Newswire)
Monkeys, Humans Recognize Faces The Same Way Jul 12, 2009
Within the fields of microbiology and immunology, neuroscience, psychobiology and sensory-motor systems, the center's research programs are seeking ways to: develop vaccines for infectious and noninfectious diseases, such as AIDS and Alzheimer's disease; treat cocaine addiction; interpret brain activity through imaging; increase understanding of progressive illnesses such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's; unlock the secrets of memory; determine behavioral effects of hormone replacement therapy;... (Science Daily)
Vision Impairment Costs Billions Lost In Productivity Jun 4, 2009
Researchers found that uncorrected refractive error has a potentially greater impact on the global economy than all other preventable vision disorders despite low-cost interventions such as eyeglasses. "Apart from the moral obligation, this research indicates that there is a tremendous loss of human potential and lost productivity associated with avoidable blindness and impaired vision due to uncorrected refractive error," said Frick. (Science Daily)
Thousands Turn Out For Boys Town Event May 26, 2009
The fees from the run and walk will go toward the cochlear implant program and the Lied Learning and Technology Center for Childhood Deafness and Vision Disorders. Copyright 2009 by. (7 KETV Omaha)
Video: Turning Hope Into Reality - Vision Research at the VA Apr 30, 2009
VA are studying vision disorders in Veterans with posttraumatic disorder (PTSD), and in those with both PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury, with the goal of understanding any associations among the health problems. In the realm of evaluating how well Veterans are able to see -- including patients who rely on existing assistive tools -- VA facilities go beyond the visual testing conducted at a typical clinic, to an assessment that simulates the real world: How well can a Veteran find an object,... (PR Newswire)
Eye Exercises Help Patients Work Out Vision Problems, Optometrist Says Apr 10, 2009
Eye exercises are used to treat a variety of vision disorders, according to Dr. Janice Wensveen, clinical associate professor at the University of Houston's College of Optometry. Patient reactions to this quite common prescription range between surprise and relief, she said, but doing the therapy can improve their performance at school and work. (Science Daily)
