The NEI aims to incentivize participants to the create retina organoids by issuing more than $1 million in prize money, according to the report. Researchers at the institute said they hope to use the lab-grown retinas to examine how the organoid products respond to certain disease.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
“None of the model systems currently available to researchers match the complex architecture and functionality of the human retina,” said NEI Director Paul Sieving, MD, PhD. “We are looking for new ideas to create standardized, reproducible 3-D retina organoids that can speed the discovery of treatments for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, both leading causes of blindness.”
Currently, more than 4 million people over the age of 40 years suffer from blindness or vision impairment in the U.S. Officials expect the number will double by 2050.
More articles on quality:
Study: Stool samples can be used to diagnose advanced liver disease
Mortality risk for heart failure higher for some common cancers
CDC creates resource to facilitate partnership between physicians and pharmacists
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.