Study shows eye scans may provide clues to ageing, heart disease risk

(Photo: AI generated image/IANS)

New Delhi, (IANS) Canadian researchers have found that scanning the tiny blood vessels in the eyes may help predict a person's risk of developing heart disease and how fast they're biologically ageing.

The study, published in the journal Science Advances, suggests that retinal scans could one day serve as a noninvasive window into the body's overall vascular health and biological ageing status, offering new opportunities for early detection and intervention.

"By connecting retinal scans, genetics, and blood biomarkers, we have uncovered molecular pathways that help explain how aging affects the vascular system," said Marie Pigeyre, Associate Professor at McMaster University’s Department of Medicine in Canada.

"The eye provides a unique, noninvasive view into the body's circulatory system. Changes in the retinal blood vessels often mirror changes occurring throughout the body's small vessels," added Pigeyre.

To conduct the study, the team combined retinal scans, genetic data, and blood sample analyses from over 74,000 participants.

People with simpler, less branched blood vessels were found to be at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and showed signs of biological ageing, such as higher inflammation and shorter lifespan.

Currently, assessing age-related diseases like heart disease, stroke, and dementia requires multiple tests. The hope is that retinal scans alone could eventually be used as a quick, accessible way to assess ageing and cardiovascular risk. However, more research is needed.

The team also reviewed blood biomarkers and genetic data and identified potential biological causes behind changes in the eye's blood vessels. This helped them identify specific proteins that may drive ageing and disease -- MMP12 and IgG-Fc receptor IIb.

Both proteins are linked to inflammation and vascular ageing. According to Pigeyre, these proteins could be potential targets for future drugs."Our findings point to potential drug targets for slowing vascular ageing, reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases, and ultimately improving lifespan," she said. Study shows eye scans may provide clues to ageing, heart disease risk | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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University secures Saskatchewan funding for nuclear research

(Image: University of Regina)

Three nuclear research projects at the University of Regina have been awarded funding totalling CAD580,000 (USD424,000) by Innovation Saskatchewan through the Innovation and Science Fund (ISF).

ISF matches federal innovation funding dollars for projects from Saskatchewan universities, colleges and research institutes to promote research excellence and competitiveness in the province. Innovation Saskatchewan has provided more than CAD18 million in ISF funding for innovative projects at Saskatchewan institutions since 2018.

The University of Regina (U of R) projects receiving the latest funding are in nuclear energy, subatomic physics and high-performance computing in nuclear science.

The first project - receiving CAD200,000 - will study ways of preventing rust and damage in materials used to protect fuel in small modular reactors (SMRs) and provide advanced training opportunities in SMRs technology.

The second - receiving CAD83,109 - will be used to upgrade simulation laboratory equipment for studying nuclear matter under extreme conditions.

The third project - receiving CAD300,000 - will be used to help construct and test components of the Heavy Gas Cherenkov (HGC) detector, a critical piece of the Solenoidal Large Intensity Device (SoLID), one of the world's most powerful microscopes.

Innovation Saskatchewan said: "These projects leverage the strong research presence U of R has in subatomic physics and nuclear energy and science, furthering Saskatchewan's capacity to attract and retain highly qualified researchers and train the next generation of scientists on emerging technologies and advancements in to support the province's energy, technology and growth goals."

"Many of the world's most significant advancements in renewable energy, medicine, and defence have stemmed from research in subatomic physics and nuclear energy,” said University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Jeff Keshen. "The Government of Saskatchewan's support positions our researchers as leaders in innovation, working to ensure a better quality of life both provincially and nationally. Their discoveries will be crucial to a strong and sustainable future for Saskatchewan."

Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison added: "Saskatchewan continues to showcase its leadership in nuclear and subatomic research, helping advance global efforts and developing solutions in these key areas. This investment at the University of Regina will further support our province's world-class research community, while providing advanced training, employment and economic opportunities for Saskatchewan people."Researched and written by World Nuclear News University secures Saskatchewan funding for nuclear research : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
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