IIT Delhi researchers used a novel approach to minimise the chances of corneal rejection when goat cornea was implanted in rabbits. Besides removing cellular and nuclear material from the cornea without destroying its microstructure and extracellular matrix, the team used a chemical to minimise immune response when the cornea is transplanted. The same method can … Continue reading IIT Delhi team increases the usability of donated corneas
Blindness
Hyderabad researchers grow miniature eyes using stem cells
Researchers at the Hyderabad-based L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) have successfully grown miniature eye-like organs that closely resemble the developing eyes of an early-stage embryo. The miniature eyes were produced using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The iPS cells are produced by genetically manipulating human skin cells to produce embryonic-like stem cells that are capable … Continue reading Hyderabad researchers grow miniature eyes using stem cells
Smoking causes type II diabetes
Fifty years since the first U.S. Surgeon General’s Report in 1964 clearly stated that cigarette smoking was a health hazard, the 32 Surgeon General’s Report released recently has shown that we are yet to fully understand the real magnitude and extent of tobacco’s diverse adverse effects on the human body. The Report expands the list … Continue reading Smoking causes type II diabetes
Seven more loci associated with age-related macular degeneration
An international team representing 18 research groups has identified seven new loci (regions of the human genome) that are associated with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In all, they identified 19 loci. The team undertook a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies to look for genetic variations associated with AMD. Over 17,000 people with advanced AMD … Continue reading Seven more loci associated with age-related macular degeneration
Trials soon to test treatment for blindness due to chemical burns
Published in The Hindu on December 19, 2012 “It is a disruptive technology for treating blindness caused by chemical burns,’ said Dr. Virender S. Sangwan, Associate Director, Clinical Research at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad. “We anticipate starting the human clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of the technology by mid 2013.” … Continue reading Trials soon to test treatment for blindness due to chemical burns
Novel technique using stem cells revives damaged eye
Published in The Hindu on March 1, 2012 Treating blindness caused by burns using limbal stem cells harvested from the undamaged eye of the same patient has now become cheaper, easier and safer. Results of a pilot study of the SLET (simplified technique of limbal transplantation) technique conducted at L.V. Prasad Eye Institute on six … Continue reading Novel technique using stem cells revives damaged eye
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