Gene Therapy Without Retinal Risk

Researchers have developed a method of delivering genes to the inner layers of the retina without the risks associated with injection into the delicate tissues themselves. This less invasive technique has been carried out successfully in animal models by a research team led by Drs. John G. Flannery and David V. Schaffer at the University [Read More]

Gene Expression in the Retina Expanded

Identifying the genetics of retinal degeneration has become especially important with progress of trials in gene therapy. Investigators have identified more than 200 retinal degeneration disease genes, but still haven’t been able to find the cause of disease in up to half of cases. Now Ocular Genomics Institute has announced that Drs. Michael Farkas, Eric [Read More]

Clinical Trial Finds Antioxidants and Zinc Beneficial in Reducing Risk of Severe AMD

by Tom Hoglund, Information Officer Foundation Fighting Blindness October 2007 Reprinted by permission. (Updated May 6, 2013) Patients with advanced cases of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can moderately lower the risk of developing the more severe wet form of the disease and preserve vision by taking a daily dose of antioxidant vitamins and zinc. [Read More]

Stem Cells Found in Human Breast Tissue

by Dan Roberts In March of 2013, an online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reported that newly discovered stem cells from human breast tissue are more genetically stable than the human induced pluripoint stem cells (hiPS cells) currently being developed. In addition to avoiding the issue of using embryonic [Read More]