Publications
This is my archive
Brain’s efficiency emerges from randomness
Scientists have wondered for a long time how neurons in our brain process information so efficiently. Traditional theories suggested that this required precisely tuned neural patterns. However, new research at IOB shows that highly efficient information processing can emerge from irregular, random patterns of neural activity. In this groundbreaking theoretical study,…
Key discoveries in myopia research: A 50-year journey
How has our understanding of myopia evolved and what questions remain? A newly published feature article by Frank Schaeffel et al. in Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics brings together insights from leading researchers to trace ten landmark discoveries that have shaped the field of myopia research. The article offers a concise and accessible…
Spotlight on vision science: IOB featured in Novartis Live N°19
We are delighted to be featured in the latest issue of Novartis Live magazine. The beautifully designed brochure highlights IOB’s work and mission, from groundbreaking work in optogenetics and gene therapy to our growing international team of researchers and to patient impact. We are thrilled and deeply grateful to see our…
The eye’s secret clockwork
Perception depends not only on what we see, but also on when we see it. Signals initiated by light-sensitive cells in the retina travel through nerve fibers of varying lengths before converging at the optic nerve and continuing to the brain. Even neighboring cells in the central retina can transmit…
Infrared light for blind retina: Engineered human channels open a new path
Restoring vision in retinal degeneration is a major biomedical challenge. In this study, IOB scientists engineered an ultrasensitive variant of the human TRPV1 channel, delivered by an AAV vector, that responds to near-infrared microheating. When expressed in blind human retinal tissue, this single-component system triggers robust ganglion cell responses, restoring…
Roska group researchers find: When unconscious, the brain is anything but ‘silent’
Imaging from individual cell types in the mouse cortex, and comparing their activity while awake and anesthetized, the authors find that only layer 5 pyramidal neurons show synchronous activity. Basel, May 12, 2022The cerebral cortex is thought to be the seat of conscious processing in the brain. Rather than being…
New sequencing method developed at IOB has potential to become universal tool of choice
Basel, May 30, 2022Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) shows which genes are turned on in a cell and what their level of transcription is. This allows in-depth assessment of the biology of individual cells, and detection of changes that may indicate disease. scRNA-seq is becoming widely used across disciplines including developmental biology,…
Optogenetic methods restore partial vision in a blind patient
Paris, Pittsburgh, Basel, May 24, 2021Clinical trial results announced today show for the first time that optogenetic methods can partially restore vision in a blind human patient. The achievement marks a milestone towards developing mutation-independent therapies for inherited photoreceptor diseases. It was reported in Nature Medicine by an international research…
Better & more precise diagnostics of genetic diseases
Disease-causing mutations cluster in specific genes Some variants in human genes have no consequences – they are benign, while others cause disease – they are pathogenic and are called mutations. A team led by Carlo Rivolta, Head of our Ophthalmic Genetics Group, in collaboration with the teams of Andrea Superti-Furga…
IOB researchers discover a new embryonic brain circuit
Layer 5 pyramidal neurons in normal mice (left) compared with mice with autism gene knocked-out (right), showing a patch of disorganized cortex. Congratulations to both of you! Could you tell us a bit more about what your newly published study is about? Arjun Bharioke: Thanks! This study provides the first…