Ocular

World's first gene-edited lizards

A group of researchers has become the first in the world to successfully produce a genetically modified reptile—specifically, four albino lizards—using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool.

World's first gene therapy operation for common cause of sight loss

Researchers in Oxford have carried out the world's first gene therapy operation to tackle the root cause of age-related macular degeneration.

Electronics in hydrogel-based soft lenses

Researchers have developed a contact lens with autonomous electronics, opening the door to unique applications such as lenses with sensors and/or drug-delivery systems for the treatment of eye disorders.

Facility to develop 3D printed corneas

Precise Bio has developed an innovative 4D-bio-fabrication technology that is a true platform for innovation and comprises cell expansion, bio-materials, processes, printing technology and other required critical technologies.

Drug-dispensing contact lens

A contact lens designed to deliver medication gradually to the eye could improve outcomes for patients with conditions requiring treatment with eye drops, which are often imprecise and difficult to self-administer.

The direction of development in autonomous vehicle research

Autonomous vehicles uses a portfolio of sensors that is highly dependent on Lidar technology, given the high price of these sensors, researchers are looking how to reduce the reliance on this technology through enhancing the capabilities of cheaper sensor technologies.

Silicon micro-funnels increase the efficiency of solar cells

Researchers are working on improving thin-film solar cells based on silicon and want to build funnels into robust cell designs that can be economically realised over large surfaces.

Fripp Design

Fripp Design are the first company to attempt to commercialise 3D printing of silicone. They are focussed on medical prosthetics and consumer product prototyping markets.

Highlights from a printed electronics conference

IDTechEx recently attended a Printed Electronics conference in Germany. IDTechEx analysts attended talks from a wide variety of companies. Here we include very brief highlights/summaries of the important points.

Eye-catching electronics

Researchers are developing electronic components that are thinner and more flexible than before.

Data-eye-glasses based on bidirectional OLED microdisplays

Interactive OLED-data-eye-glasses win the "Best in Show" award at the 50th anniversary of the worldwide leading display conference SID 2012 in Boston/USA.

Solar retinal implants may restore sight to the blind

Using tiny solar-panel-like cells surgically placed underneath the retina, scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have devised a system that may someday restore sight to people who have lost vision because of certain types of degenerative eye diseases.

DisplaySearch: Emerging display technologies

Eileen Tanghal of Applied Ventures opened the conference. Applied Ventures is the venture arm of Applied Materials ($9.5B revenue in 2010) with companies such as Liquavista, Plextronics, Terabarrier, SAGE Electrochromics and Semprius being the most relevant companies backed by funding from Applied Ventures.

Lab plays key role in Department of Energy's artificial retina project

Scientists and engineers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are developing the electronics for a third-generation artificial retina.