This article challenges the belief that increased lens size with age, particularly of the nucleus, is the primary cause of presbyopia. It also further describes the roles that Eph-ephrin signaling has in lens development. Read it here: Eph-ephrin signaling affects lens growth and shape, nucleus size, and gradient refractive index in adult mice.

Not too long ago, Yuka came to visit our lab and collaborated with some projects! We’re grateful for the visit and look forward to her next one!

Our new protocol describes how to cleanly isolate RNA from mouse lens epithelium and the bulk fiber cell mass for qPCR analysis. Previously, only a limited amount of starting material could be extracted from the monolayer of lens epithelial cells and so pooling samples was necessary. Our new method opens the way for better in depth analysis because individuals animals can be used as unique samples. Read/watch it here: RNA Isolation from Mouse Ocular Lens Epithelium and Fiber Cell Bulk Masses.

Early in October, Dr. Catherine Cheng presented Gryffin’s masters thesis project about age-related changes in ocular lens biomechanics and morphometrics in regards to implications for presbyopia. It was great time sharing knowledge!

As Halloween approaches, the lab celebrated Gryffin’s birthday! Yet another spooky event for the month of October. Happy Birthday Gryffin!

We wish you all the best Dr. Hsuan-Yeh Pan! We’ve known Hsuan-Yeh since before he earned his doctorate and have enjoyed funny conversations with him as lab neighbors. We hope to see you at some conferences soon!

This year’s HVRS went great! Well done presenting your talks Gryffin and Isaiah! Also, we really enjoyed learning about the research happening from other institutes! We are eager to hear research updates at next year’s symposium!

After two and a half years of working in our lab, Peter has decided to explore new career opportunities. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and experiences with us. You have significantly improved our ability to brainstorm, process, analyze, and troubleshoot the vast and complicated data that the lens produces. We will miss your humor and diligence, but we wish you all the best in your explorations!

This past month, the lab went to waft Wally for the second time! He was not shy about sharing the reason why he’s classified as a corpse flower! Looking forward to scenting you again soon Wally!

The lab recently celebrated Jenna and Michael’s birthdays by the vine at Butler Winery! It was a great time eating, drinking, and playing games! Happy Birthday you two!