Science News

Diseases of mind and sight share neurodegenerative features in common. BrightFocus is leading the way to explore them so that what’s learned about one disease may benefit another in the search for cures.

The research and discoveries of clinician-scientist Joel S. Schuman, MD, are having a big impact on vision diseases, including glaucoma. Early support from BrightFocus had a big impact on his career.

At ARVO 2019, the world’s largest gathering of vision scientists, BrightFocus grantees stood out for their insights into key cells in the retina and surrounding tissue that participate in macular degeneration.

Learn what LATE is, the brain regions that are affected by this disorder, how many people may have this form of dementia, how it is currently diagnosed, and the next steps for research.

A recent study focused attention on whether Alzheimer’s disease can spread from one human to another. The risk remains small as long as standard precautions are followed during surgery and other procedures.

A new blood-based Alzheimer’s screening test, created with a grant from BrightFocus, received a “Breakthrough Device” designation by the FDA. This speeds up its timeline for possible approval and public use.

All mouse models used to represent Alzheimer’s disease are imperfect, and can only approximate how the disease develops in humans. However, a BrightFocus-funded research project is being hailed as a game-changer that could make results highly relevant to human disease.

BrightFocus’ 2018 Alzheimer’s Fast Track Workshop, held recently in San Diego, helped launch the careers of 65 new Alzheimer’s researchers located in the United States and internationally.