National Eye Institute (NEI)

Data driven innovation in vision research: New R01 opportunity now open. If you’re developing creative strategies for data curation, interoperability, or reuse in ophthalmic research, this NIH funding opportunity is for you. Now’s your chance to enhance data quality and drive discovery in vision science. See details: https://brnw.ch/21wWdD2 #VisionScience #DataScience #Ophthalmology #ResearchFunding #NIHGrants #OpenData #TranslationalResearch

New insights into coloboma syndrome are featured in the podcast Base by Base. The episode spotlights research led by NEI’s Brian Brooks (@brian-brooks-830b0614), identifying pathogenic variants in NR6A1 linked to a newly characterized form of coloboma. This “papercast” format highlights the underlying publication and dives into the genetic mechanisms shaping eye development and malformation. Paper: https://brnw.ch/21wWciU Now streaming on Spotify: https://brnw.ch/21wWciT #Genetics #Ophthalmology #Coloboma #VisionResearch #RareDisease #NEIResearch #PodcastForScientists #NIHfunded #ResearchNews #VisionNews #VisionResearch

Adults with vision loss are 2-3 times more likely to experience depression compared to those with no #VisionLoss. Here are a few questions you can ask to communicate empathy with those experiencing vision loss: I imagine it is hard adjusting to your vision loss. How are you holding up? Would you like to talk to someone about how you are feeling? Tell me about how you have previously dealt with difficult situations? Physicians, please share how you help your patients cope with their vision loss. To learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wWc8C #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention

A long-acting small molecule activator of PKM2 may protect against degeneration. This novel compound sustainably boosts the neuroprotective enzyme PKM2 in preclinical models, offering a promising strategy to prevent vision loss across diverse retinal diseases. Read more here: https://brnw.ch/21wW8fl #NIHfunded #RetinaResearch #Neuroprotection #Ophthalmology #VisionScience #MetabolicTherapy #TranslationalMedicine #ResearchNews #VisionResearch #VisionNews

Glutamine breakdown is essential for photoreceptor health. In mice lacking glutaminase in rod photoreceptors, researchers observed rapid thinning of the retina and impaired function—signaling that glutamine catabolism is vital. This discovery opens the door to metabolic strategies that could restore photoreceptor health in degenerative retinal diseases. Read the full study here: https://brnw.ch/21wW6ns #NIHfunded #RetinaResearch #Metablolism #Ophthalmology #VisionScience #Neuroprotection #TranslationalMedicine #ResearchNews #VisionResearch #VisionNews

#Vision changes don’t have to impact your quality of life. Common changes, like trouble focusing on an object or needing more light to see well, can be corrected with glasses or improved lighting. Learn what to expect from your eyes as you age, and how to keep them seeing well, for #HealthyAgingMonth: https://brnw.ch/21wW6gw

In a new #NIHfunded study led by scientists at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine, researchers say they have determined that low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, may promote a breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier. The research provides insights into the origin of diabetic retinopathy, specifically in patients with episodes of hypoglycemia. To learn more visit: https://brnw.ch/21wW47i

If you have patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), talk to them about sickle cell retinopathy. A sickle cell blockage in the eye may not cause symptoms before the onset of vision problems. So it’s important for patients to be aware of the risk. Regular eye exams can help catch health problems like sickle cell retinopathy in the early stages. For more info on sickle cell and vision problems, check out: https://brnw.ch/21wW1MS #NationalSickleCellAwarenessMonth

Do the purple nerve cells in our #ImageOfTheMonth look a bit like sea creatures to you? 👁🦑 The scientists who took this microscope picture think so! But those purple things aren’t any ocean animal—in fact, they’re nerve cells found in the eyes, called cones, and they help detect color. Check out this and other fascinating images in NEI’s image library! https://brnw.ch/21wW1ki #Microscopic #Retina #Eye #Optometry #Ophthalmology #Science #Vision #Nerves

Epigenetic drugs show promise in retinitis pigmentosa models. Modifying chromatin architecture in mouse models significantly delayed photoreceptor degeneration and preserved visual function. Results provide evidence supporting the potential of epigenetic strategies in advancing retinal neuroprotection. Paper: https://brnw.ch/21wW015 #RetinaResearch #Epigenetics #VisionScience #RetinitisPigmentosa #TranslationalMedicine #Ophthalmology #ResearchNews #VisionResearch #VisionNews