Ishita Roy

Over 31 Diseases Linked To Insulin Resistance In Women: Know What It Is

Insulin resistance can cause 31 diseases to women

A recent study revealed that apart from <span>Type 2 <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">diabetes</a></span>, <span>insulin resistance</span> is linked to 31 different diseases that can increase the risk of early death in women. 

<h5>What Is <span rel="noindex">Insulin</span> Resistance?</h5>

Insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity, happens when cells in your muscles, fat and liver do not respond as they should to insulin. It is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that is essential for life and regulates the blood glucose (sugar) levels. It can be temporary or chronic and is treatable in some cases. 

When your cells become insulin resistant, then it can lead to elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) which can lead to pre<span>diabetes</span> and Type 2 diabetes. It can cause obesity, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

<span>Prediabetes</span> leads to Type 2 diabetes (TD2), also the most common type of diabetes. 

Jing Wu, a researcher from Shandong University, China and her team analysed data from over 4,29,000 people in the UK measuring their insulin resistance using the TyG index that calculates levels of blood sugar and fats. 

They tracked health of participants for 13 years and found that those with higher insulin resistance were more likely to develop 26 diseases, including sleep disorders, bacterial infections, and pancreatitis. 

The study found that one-unit increase in insulin resistance can raise the risk of sleep disorders by 18%, bacterial infections by 8% and pancreatitis by 31%. 

What's interesting is that insulin resistance can lower the risk of Parkinson's disease by 16% and osteoporosis by 13%. 

While women have 11% more chance of death due to insulin resistance, this link is not found in men. 

These findings were presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting at Madrid, Spain. 

<h5>How Common Is Insulin Resistance?</h5>

There are no common tests to check insulin resistance and are not any symptoms until it turns into prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. However, every 1 in 3 adults in the US have prediabetes. 

Which means, it can be the main reason of fat around the waist and strokes. 

The symptoms of insulin resistance include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, blurred vision, headaches, vaginal and skin infections.

Some of the factors include excess body fat, and physical inactivity - as it makes your body more sensitive to insulin and builds muscle that can absorb blood glucose. A diet containing highly processed food, certain medications including steroids, blood pressure medications, and hormonal disorders.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

diabetes

prediabetes

insulin

insulin resistance

Type 2 diabetes

Infection Causing Fungal Infection Could Kill Millions

What Is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus? The Brain Disorder Billy Joel Is Diagnosed With

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A recent study revealed that apart from Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance is linked to 31 different diseases that can increase the risk of early death in women. What Is Insulin Resistance?Insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity, happens when cells in your muscles, fat and liver do not respond as they should to insulin. It is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that is essential for life and regulates the blood glucose (sugar) levels. It can be temporary or chronic and is treatable in some cases. When your cells become insulin resistant, then it can lead to elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) which can lead to prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. It can cause obesity, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Prediabetes leads to Type 2 diabetes (TD2), also the most common type of diabetes. What Does the Study Say?Jing Wu, a researcher from Shandong University, China and her team analysed data from over 4,29,000 people in the UK measuring their insulin resistance using the TyG index that calculates levels of blood sugar and fats. They tracked health of participants for 13 years and found that those with higher insulin resistance were more likely to develop 26 diseases, including sleep disorders, bacterial infections, and pancreatitis. The study found that one-unit increase in insulin resistance can raise the risk of sleep disorders by 18%, bacterial infections by 8% and pancreatitis by 31%. What's interesting is that insulin resistance can lower the risk of Parkinson's disease by 16% and osteoporosis by 13%. While women have 11% more chance of death due to insulin resistance, this link is not found in men. These findings were presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting at Madrid, Spain. How Common Is Insulin Resistance?There are no common tests to check insulin resistance and are not any symptoms until it turns into prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. However, every 1 in 3 adults in the US have prediabetes. Which means, it can be the main reason of fat around the waist and strokes. What are the symptoms?The symptoms of insulin resistance include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, blurred vision, headaches, vaginal and skin infections.What causes insulin resistance?Some of the factors include excess body fat, and physical inactivity - as it makes your body more sensitive to insulin and builds muscle that can absorb blood glucose. A diet containing highly processed food, certain medications including steroids, blood pressure medications, and hormonal disorders.

over 31 diseases linked to insulin resistance in women: know what it is

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Riya Baibhawi

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Postpartum Psychosis Is 10 Times More Likely For Women With Family Link To The Condition

postpartum psychosis is 10 times more likely for women with family link to the condition

Infection-causing <span>fungi</span> responsible for millions of deaths each year are expected to spread significantly to new regions as the planet heats up, new research warns — and the world is not prepared.

Fungi are found everywhere — a vast kingdom of organisms ranging from mold to mushrooms, thriving in environments like soil, compost, and water. They play an essential role in ecosystems but can also wreak havoc on human health. Fungal infections are estimated to kill 2.5 million people annually — a number likely underreported due to limited data.

Yet our understanding of fungi, particularly how these highly adaptable organisms will respond to a warming climate, remains limited.

A team of scientists from the University of Manchester used computer simulations and climate forecasts to map the future spread of Aspergillus— a common group of fungi found worldwide that can cause aspergillosis, a life-threatening disease that primarily affects the lungs.

They found that certain *Aspergillus* species are likely to expand their range as the climate crisis deepens, moving into new areas of North America, Europe, China, and Russia. The study, published this month, is currently under peer review.

“Fungi are relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites, but these maps show that fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future,” said Norman van Rijn, one of the study’s authors and a climate change and infectious diseases researcher at the University of Manchester.

The field has gained renewed attention thanks to HBO’s popular drama *The Last of Us*, which imagines a world overrun by a mutant <span>fungal infection</span>. While fictional, van Rijn hopes the show raises awareness about the very real and rising threat of fungal diseases.

*Aspergillus* fungi grow as small filaments in soil across the globe. Like most fungi, they release vast numbers of microscopic spores that spread through the air. Humans inhale these spores daily, but most people’s immune systems are able to clear them without issue.

For people with underlying lung conditions — including asthma, cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — and for those with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, or those recovering from severe flu or Covid-19, the threat is far greater.

If the body fails to eliminate the spores, the fungus can begin to grow and destroy tissue. “It starts to grow and basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly,” van Rijn said.

Aspergillosis carries high mortality rates — around 20% to 40%, van Rijn noted. It’s also notoriously difficult to diagnose, as symptoms such as fever and cough often mimic more common illnesses, and many doctors don’t initially suspect fungal infection.

Fungal pathogens are also becoming more resistant to treatment. There are only four classes of antifungal drugs available, and resistance is rising.

That’s alarming as the climate crisis opens up new areas for fungi to colonize. *Aspergillus flavus*, a species that thrives in hot, tropical climates, could expand its range by 16% if fossil fuel emissions remain high. It’s predicted to move into parts of North America, northern China, and Russia. Not only is *A. flavus* resistant to many antifungals, but it can also infect food crops — threatening both public health and food security. In 2022, the <span>World Health Organization</span> added *Aspergillus flavus* to its critical group of fungal pathogens due to its health impact and resistance risks.

Meanwhile, *Aspergillus fumigatus*, which prefers temperate climates, is predicted to spread northward toward the Arctic. Its range could grow by 77.5% by 2100, potentially exposing up to 9 million people in Europe.

Paradoxically, some regions — including parts of sub-Saharan Africa — could become too hot for *Aspergillus* to survive. But this isn’t necessarily good news. Fungi are vital to ecosystems, including maintaining soil health.

A warming world may also be increasing fungi’s temperature tolerance, enabling more species to survive and thrive inside the human body. Extreme weather events — droughts, floods, and heatwaves — can also help disperse fungal spores over vast distances. After the 2011 tornado in Joplin, Missouri, for example, there was a spike in fungal infections.

The new *Aspergillus* study “rightfully highlights the threat posed by naturally occurring fungi and the world’s lack of preparedness for changes in their spread,” said Elaine Bignell, co-director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, who was not involved in the research.

However, many uncertainties remain. “There’s still a huge amount of research to be done,” Bignell told CNN.

Despite the deadly nature of aspergillosis, there’s a lack of data on where the fungus lives in the environment and who’s being infected, said Justin Remais, a professor of environmental health sciences at UC Berkeley. He is leading a study of more than 100 million patient records across the U.S., which identified over 20,000 aspergillosis cases between 2013 and 2023. The number of cases is increasing by about 5% annually, he said.

“Fungal pathogens are becoming increasingly common and resistant to treatment, and we are only beginning to understand how climate change is contributing,” Remais noted.

People are used to hearing about diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites—but far less about those caused by fungi. “There is a desperate need to reverse this trend given the lethality,” Bignell said.

"Any of us could be affected in the future."

Fungal Infection

fungi

aspergillus

world health organization

Infection causing fungi\

Infection-causing fungi responsible for millions of deaths each year are expected to spread significantly to new regions as the planet heats up, new research warns — and the world is not prepared.Fungi are found everywhere — a vast kingdom of organisms ranging from mold to mushrooms, thriving in environments like soil, compost, and water. They play an essential role in ecosystems but can also wreak havoc on human health. Fungal infections are estimated to kill 2.5 million people annually — a number likely underreported due to limited data.Yet our understanding of fungi, particularly how these highly adaptable organisms will respond to a warming climate, remains limited.A team of scientists from the University of Manchester used computer simulations and climate forecasts to map the future spread of Aspergillus— a common group of fungi found worldwide that can cause aspergillosis, a life-threatening disease that primarily affects the lungs.They found that certain *Aspergillus* species are likely to expand their range as the climate crisis deepens, moving into new areas of North America, Europe, China, and Russia. The study, published this month, is currently under peer review.“Fungi are relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites, but these maps show that fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future,” said Norman van Rijn, one of the study’s authors and a climate change and infectious diseases researcher at the University of Manchester.The field has gained renewed attention thanks to HBO’s popular drama *The Last of Us*, which imagines a world overrun by a mutant fungal infection. While fictional, van Rijn hopes the show raises awareness about the very real and rising threat of fungal diseases.*Aspergillus* fungi grow as small filaments in soil across the globe. Like most fungi, they release vast numbers of microscopic spores that spread through the air. Humans inhale these spores daily, but most people’s immune systems are able to clear them without issue.For people with underlying lung conditions — including asthma, cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — and for those with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, or those recovering from severe flu or Covid-19, the threat is far greater.If the body fails to eliminate the spores, the fungus can begin to grow and destroy tissue. “It starts to grow and basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly,” van Rijn said.Aspergillosis carries high mortality rates — around 20% to 40%, van Rijn noted. It’s also notoriously difficult to diagnose, as symptoms such as fever and cough often mimic more common illnesses, and many doctors don’t initially suspect fungal infection.Fungal pathogens are also becoming more resistant to treatment. There are only four classes of antifungal drugs available, and resistance is rising.That’s alarming as the climate crisis opens up new areas for fungi to colonize. *Aspergillus flavus*, a species that thrives in hot, tropical climates, could expand its range by 16% if fossil fuel emissions remain high. It’s predicted to move into parts of North America, northern China, and Russia. Not only is *A. flavus* resistant to many antifungals, but it can also infect food crops — threatening both public health and food security. In 2022, the World Health Organization added *Aspergillus flavus* to its critical group of fungal pathogens due to its health impact and resistance risks.Meanwhile, *Aspergillus fumigatus*, which prefers temperate climates, is predicted to spread northward toward the Arctic. Its range could grow by 77.5% by 2100, potentially exposing up to 9 million people in Europe.Paradoxically, some regions — including parts of sub-Saharan Africa — could become too hot for *Aspergillus* to survive. But this isn’t necessarily good news. Fungi are vital to ecosystems, including maintaining soil health.A warming world may also be increasing fungi’s temperature tolerance, enabling more species to survive and thrive inside the human body. Extreme weather events — droughts, floods, and heatwaves — can also help disperse fungal spores over vast distances. After the 2011 tornado in Joplin, Missouri, for example, there was a spike in fungal infections.The new *Aspergillus* study “rightfully highlights the threat posed by naturally occurring fungi and the world’s lack of preparedness for changes in their spread,” said Elaine Bignell, co-director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, who was not involved in the research.However, many uncertainties remain. “There’s still a huge amount of research to be done,” Bignell told CNN.Despite the deadly nature of aspergillosis, there’s a lack of data on where the fungus lives in the environment and who’s being infected, said Justin Remais, a professor of environmental health sciences at UC Berkeley. He is leading a study of more than 100 million patient records across the U.S., which identified over 20,000 aspergillosis cases between 2013 and 2023. The number of cases is increasing by about 5% annually, he said.“Fungal pathogens are becoming increasingly common and resistant to treatment, and we are only beginning to understand how climate change is contributing,” Remais noted.People are used to hearing about diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites—but far less about those caused by fungi. “There is a desperate need to reverse this trend given the lethality,” Bignell said."Any of us could be affected in the future."

infection causing fungal infection could kill millions

Tanya Dutt

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Billy Joel, the iconic singer-songwriter, recently revealed that he has been diagnosed with <span>normal pressure hydrocephalus</span> (<span>NPH</span>), a lesser-known but serious brain disorder. Joel explained that the condition has affected his hearing, vision, and balance, leading him to pause his performances to focus on recovery through specialized physical therapy. His candid disclosure has brought much-needed attention to NPH, a condition that can profoundly impact mobility, bladder control, and cognitive function—often in ways that are easily mistaken for other neurological diseases.

Hydrocephalus refers to an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles, the four hollow chambers where this fluid is produced. CSF plays a crucial role in cushioning and protecting the brain and spinal cord. Under normal circumstances, CSF flows freely from the ventricles, circulating around the brain and spinal cord before being absorbed into the bloodstream.

However, when this flow is obstructed or disrupted, excess fluid builds up inside the ventricles, causing them to enlarge and potentially leading to brain damage. The result is hydrocephalus, which can occur at any age but presents differently depending on its type.

<h2>What Is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?</h2>

Unlike other forms of hydrocephalus where increased fluid leads to heightened pressure inside the skull, normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is characterized by an accumulation of CSF without a corresponding rise in intracranial pressure. The fluid builds up gradually, often making the condition challenging to detect in its early stages.

NPH typically affects adults over the age of 55, with an increased incidence among those over 60—a demographic that includes Billy Joel, who is 76 years old. While NPH can sometimes follow events such as head trauma, infections, tumors, or complications from brain surgery, many cases develop without any identifiable cause, earning it the classification of idiopathic NPH.

<h2>Symptoms Of NPH That Often Goes Undiagnosed</h2>

One of the primary challenges with diagnosing NPH is that its symptoms overlap significantly with other neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and even with normal aging. This overlap often leads to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, impacting timely treatment. Symptoms of NPH include:

Gait disturbances: People with NPH often experience an unsteady, slow, or shuffling walk, with difficulty lifting their feet, making it hard to maintain balance.

Urinary incontinence: Loss of bladder control is a common sign, which can sometimes be mistakenly attributed to aging.

Cognitive impairment: Memory problems, confusion, and mood changes, including depression, can resemble dementia symptoms.

Increased falls and trouble maintaining stability.

Due to these similarities, many patients are first evaluated for dementia or Parkinsonism before NPH is considered.

<h2>Diagnosing Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus</h2>

When NPH is suspected, a thorough neurological evaluation is essential. Physicians may observe gait and balance abnormalities, cognitive function, and urinary symptoms before ordering brain imaging tests. A CT scan or MRI helps reveal the enlargement of the brain’s ventricles indicative of hydrocephalus.

The diagnostic process often involves ruling out other conditions and may include specialized tests like a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to measure CSF pressure and assess how symptoms respond to CSF drainage.

Fortunately, NPH is one of the few causes of dementia-like symptoms that can be treated effectively, especially if caught early. The primary treatment involves surgical placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. This device consists of a flexible tube with a valve that drains excess CSF from the brain ventricles to another part of the body—usually the abdominal cavity—where it can be absorbed.

The shunt reduces the buildup of fluid, relieving pressure on the brain and often leading to significant improvement in symptoms such as walking difficulties, bladder control, and cognitive decline.

However, surgery carries risks, and not all patients respond equally. Some may require adjustments to the shunt or additional therapies. Recovery often includes physical and occupational therapy, similar to what Billy Joel is currently undergoing, to regain strength and coordination.

NPH primarily affects older adults, but several factors may increase susceptibility:

<ul><li>Age over 60</li><li>History of head injury or trauma</li><li>Previous brain infections, such as meningitis</li><li>Brain tumors</li><li>Complications from brain surgery</li></ul>

Awareness of these risk factors is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.

<h2>Importance of Awareness and Early Detection</h2>

Billy Joel’s public announcement has cast a spotlight on a condition many people have never heard of despite its potentially devastating effects. NPH can mimic other neurological disorders, leading to confusion and misdiagnosis. Yet, unlike most forms of dementia, <span>NPH symptoms</span> may improve significantly with timely treatment.

For individuals experiencing unexplained gait problems, urinary issues, or cognitive decline—especially those over 60—consulting a neurologist for a comprehensive evaluation can make all the difference. Early detection not only improves quality of life but may also prevent irreversible brain damage.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a complex but treatable neurological disorder characterized by the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid without increased pressure. Its symptoms—impaired walking, bladder control, and cognition—often mimic other common age-related diseases, leading to underdiagnosis.

normal pressure hydrocephalus

billy joel diagnosis

nph symptoms

brain disorder treatment

hydrocephalus awareness

nph recovery

neurological health

Billy Joel, the iconic singer-songwriter, recently revealed that he has been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a lesser-known but serious brain disorder. Joel explained that the condition has affected his hearing, vision, and balance, leading him to pause his performances to focus on recovery through specialized physical therapy. His candid disclosure has brought much-needed attention to NPH, a condition that can profoundly impact mobility, bladder control, and cognitive function—often in ways that are easily mistaken for other neurological diseases.Hydrocephalus refers to an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles, the four hollow chambers where this fluid is produced. CSF plays a crucial role in cushioning and protecting the brain and spinal cord. Under normal circumstances, CSF flows freely from the ventricles, circulating around the brain and spinal cord before being absorbed into the bloodstream.However, when this flow is obstructed or disrupted, excess fluid builds up inside the ventricles, causing them to enlarge and potentially leading to brain damage. The result is hydrocephalus, which can occur at any age but presents differently depending on its type.What Is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?Unlike other forms of hydrocephalus where increased fluid leads to heightened pressure inside the skull, normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is characterized by an accumulation of CSF without a corresponding rise in intracranial pressure. The fluid builds up gradually, often making the condition challenging to detect in its early stages.NPH typically affects adults over the age of 55, with an increased incidence among those over 60—a demographic that includes Billy Joel, who is 76 years old. While NPH can sometimes follow events such as head trauma, infections, tumors, or complications from brain surgery, many cases develop without any identifiable cause, earning it the classification of idiopathic NPH.Symptoms Of NPH That Often Goes UndiagnosedOne of the primary challenges with diagnosing NPH is that its symptoms overlap significantly with other neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and even with normal aging. This overlap often leads to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, impacting timely treatment. Symptoms of NPH include:Gait disturbances: People with NPH often experience an unsteady, slow, or shuffling walk, with difficulty lifting their feet, making it hard to maintain balance.Urinary incontinence: Loss of bladder control is a common sign, which can sometimes be mistakenly attributed to aging.Cognitive impairment: Memory problems, confusion, and mood changes, including depression, can resemble dementia symptoms.Increased falls and trouble maintaining stability.Due to these similarities, many patients are first evaluated for dementia or Parkinsonism before NPH is considered.Diagnosing Normal Pressure HydrocephalusWhen NPH is suspected, a thorough neurological evaluation is essential. Physicians may observe gait and balance abnormalities, cognitive function, and urinary symptoms before ordering brain imaging tests. A CT scan or MRI helps reveal the enlargement of the brain’s ventricles indicative of hydrocephalus.The diagnostic process often involves ruling out other conditions and may include specialized tests like a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to measure CSF pressure and assess how symptoms respond to CSF drainage.Can NPH Be Reversed?Fortunately, NPH is one of the few causes of dementia-like symptoms that can be treated effectively, especially if caught early. The primary treatment involves surgical placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. This device consists of a flexible tube with a valve that drains excess CSF from the brain ventricles to another part of the body—usually the abdominal cavity—where it can be absorbed.The shunt reduces the buildup of fluid, relieving pressure on the brain and often leading to significant improvement in symptoms such as walking difficulties, bladder control, and cognitive decline.However, surgery carries risks, and not all patients respond equally. Some may require adjustments to the shunt or additional therapies. Recovery often includes physical and occupational therapy, similar to what Billy Joel is currently undergoing, to regain strength and coordination.Who Is at Risk?NPH primarily affects older adults, but several factors may increase susceptibility:Age over 60History of head injury or traumaPrevious brain infections, such as meningitisBrain tumorsComplications from brain surgeryAwareness of these risk factors is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.Importance of Awareness and Early DetectionBilly Joel’s public announcement has cast a spotlight on a condition many people have never heard of despite its potentially devastating effects. NPH can mimic other neurological disorders, leading to confusion and misdiagnosis. Yet, unlike most forms of dementia, NPH symptoms may improve significantly with timely treatment.For individuals experiencing unexplained gait problems, urinary issues, or cognitive decline—especially those over 60—consulting a neurologist for a comprehensive evaluation can make all the difference. Early detection not only improves quality of life but may also prevent irreversible brain damage.Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a complex but treatable neurological disorder characterized by the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid without increased pressure. Its symptoms—impaired walking, bladder control, and cognition—often mimic other common age-related diseases, leading to underdiagnosis.

what is normal pressure hydrocephalus? the brain disorder billy joel is diagnosed with

Scientists Develop Device That Helps Humans 'See In Dark'—Even With Eyes Closed

How African Rats Help Detect Disease And Save Lives

how african rats help detect disease and save lives

In a scientific breakthrough that blurs the line between fiction and medicine, Chinese scientists have developed soft, invisible contact lenses that allow humans to see near-infrared light—a hitherto invisible spectrum to the naked eye. This innovation is not only non-surgical but also effective in complete darkness, even with the eyes closed. The results from the study, which were released in the high-profile journal Cell, represent a major advance in wearable "super-vision" technology that can potentially revolutionize medical imaging, search and rescue, and vision aid for the blind.

Human eyes are biologically restricted to detecting only wavelengths of light between 400 and 700 nanometers—a slim range that accounts for only a part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Yet, near-infrared light, from 700 to 2,500 nanometers, penetrates more deeply and harmlessly through biological tissues, holding immense promise in the fields of early disease detection and non-invasive imaging.

Directed by University of Science and Technology of China neuroscientist Dr. Tian Xue, the scientists aimed to design a lens that would be able to overcome such natural restrictions. The solution lies in rare earth nanoparticles—tiny particles with the ability to absorb invisible infrared light and re-transmit it as visible red, green, or blue light. These nanoparticles, namely sodium gadolinium fluoride doped with ytterbium, erbium, and gold, were designed to operate safely and effectively within soft contact lenses.

This is not the first time the research group has made infrared vision more than just a fantasy. Previously, in previous experiments, they directly injected infrared-sensitive nanomaterials into the retinas of test animals, offering them night vision for a limited time. But because retinal injections were so invasive, attention soon turned to a less invasive approach: contact lenses.

By dispersing the nanoparticles of rare earth into polymer solutions that are biocompatible with human eyes, the researchers were able to create ultra-thin, see-through lenses. The lenses were tried out in mice and then in human volunteers. Tests proved that the wearers could identify flickering infrared radiation, recognize infrared patterns, and even decipher temporal codes—even though the light itself was completely undetectable by the human eye when it is not covered by lenses.

One surprising development? Human subjects showed even stronger definition in picking up infrared light when their eyes were shut. In the opinion of Dr. Xue, "Near-infrared light penetrates eyelids more efficiently than visible light, allowing for improved signal detection with eyes shut—free from visible light interference."

<h2>Seeing What the Naked Eye Misses?</h2>

Older night-vision goggles, introduced during World War II, use electronic image intensifiers and need lots of power to run. These goggles are big, give off greenish images, and usually have difficulty identifying finer details at longer wavelengths of infrared. The newly created lenses, however, work without the need for an external power source and provide a more natural visual output. They are so light and transparent that they are potential rivals for real-life, everyday use in troublesome visual conditions such as fog, dust, or nighttime.

<h2>Can These Lenses Assist the Color Blind to See Better?</h2>

Although currently in the proof-of-concept phase, this technology's applicability is vast and extensive. The following are some of the possible uses:

<strong>Medical imaging</strong>: Increased visibility of tissues during surgery or scans

<strong>Vision enhancement</strong>: Aiding people with visual deficiencies or color blindness

<strong>Security &amp; surveillance</strong>: Infrared pattern recognition for clandestine communication

<strong>Search and rescue</strong>: Locating persons or objects under low-visibility conditions

<strong>Anti-counterfeiting</strong>: Decoding flickering infrared security codes that cannot be seen with the human eye

For colorblind people, the group even prototyped a model of the lenses that converted components of the visible red spectrum to green or blue light, possibly allowing users to differentiate colors previously invisible to them. "This could make the invisible visible," said Dr. Xue, as he points out its possibility of improving daily life for millions.

Although its potential is great, the technology has challenges to overcome before it can be sold commercially. As of now, the lenses can pick up only intense infrared signals from LED light sources. Increasing their sensitivity to ambient or low-intensity light is a key next step. Additionally, since contact lenses are near the retina, their potential to read fine details in an image is low.

To overcome this, the scientists are developing a wearable glass system using the same nanotechnology but with greater field of vision and better image quality. The aim is to develop a hybrid wearable that offers the convenience of lenses coupled with clarity and detail for complex tasks.

This revolutionary technology is a paradigm shift in the way that humans may engage with their environment. By literally broadening the visible spectrum, the innovation provides new modes for perceiving, reacting to, and comprehending our world—particularly in situations where sight has historically been impaired.

Whether wielded by surgeons, search and rescue crews, or people moving through a blacked-out terrain, the possibilities of night-vision contact lenses are staggering. As Dr. Xue summed up, "Our research opens up the potential for non-invasive wearable devices to give people super-vision."

eye health

night vision contact lenses

infrared vision technology

human infrared sight

wearable night vision

medical imaging innovation

nanoparticle contact lenses

see in dark without power

colour blindness

In a scientific breakthrough that blurs the line between fiction and medicine, Chinese scientists have developed soft, invisible contact lenses that allow humans to see near-infrared light—a hitherto invisible spectrum to the naked eye. This innovation is not only non-surgical but also effective in complete darkness, even with the eyes closed. The results from the study, which were released in the high-profile journal Cell, represent a major advance in wearable "super-vision" technology that can potentially revolutionize medical imaging, search and rescue, and vision aid for the blind.Human eyes are biologically restricted to detecting only wavelengths of light between 400 and 700 nanometers—a slim range that accounts for only a part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Yet, near-infrared light, from 700 to 2,500 nanometers, penetrates more deeply and harmlessly through biological tissues, holding immense promise in the fields of early disease detection and non-invasive imaging.Directed by University of Science and Technology of China neuroscientist Dr. Tian Xue, the scientists aimed to design a lens that would be able to overcome such natural restrictions. The solution lies in rare earth nanoparticles—tiny particles with the ability to absorb invisible infrared light and re-transmit it as visible red, green, or blue light. These nanoparticles, namely sodium gadolinium fluoride doped with ytterbium, erbium, and gold, were designed to operate safely and effectively within soft contact lenses.How These Lenses Work?This is not the first time the research group has made infrared vision more than just a fantasy. Previously, in previous experiments, they directly injected infrared-sensitive nanomaterials into the retinas of test animals, offering them night vision for a limited time. But because retinal injections were so invasive, attention soon turned to a less invasive approach: contact lenses.By dispersing the nanoparticles of rare earth into polymer solutions that are biocompatible with human eyes, the researchers were able to create ultra-thin, see-through lenses. The lenses were tried out in mice and then in human volunteers. Tests proved that the wearers could identify flickering infrared radiation, recognize infrared patterns, and even decipher temporal codes—even though the light itself was completely undetectable by the human eye when it is not covered by lenses.One surprising development? Human subjects showed even stronger definition in picking up infrared light when their eyes were shut. In the opinion of Dr. Xue, "Near-infrared light penetrates eyelids more efficiently than visible light, allowing for improved signal detection with eyes shut—free from visible light interference."Seeing What the Naked Eye Misses?Older night-vision goggles, introduced during World War II, use electronic image intensifiers and need lots of power to run. These goggles are big, give off greenish images, and usually have difficulty identifying finer details at longer wavelengths of infrared. The newly created lenses, however, work without the need for an external power source and provide a more natural visual output. They are so light and transparent that they are potential rivals for real-life, everyday use in troublesome visual conditions such as fog, dust, or nighttime.Can These Lenses Assist the Color Blind to See Better?Although currently in the proof-of-concept phase, this technology's applicability is vast and extensive. The following are some of the possible uses:Medical imaging: Increased visibility of tissues during surgery or scansVision enhancement: Aiding people with visual deficiencies or color blindnessSecurity & surveillance: Infrared pattern recognition for clandestine communicationSearch and rescue: Locating persons or objects under low-visibility conditionsAnti-counterfeiting: Decoding flickering infrared security codes that cannot be seen with the human eyeFor colorblind people, the group even prototyped a model of the lenses that converted components of the visible red spectrum to green or blue light, possibly allowing users to differentiate colors previously invisible to them. "This could make the invisible visible," said Dr. Xue, as he points out its possibility of improving daily life for millions.Although its potential is great, the technology has challenges to overcome before it can be sold commercially. As of now, the lenses can pick up only intense infrared signals from LED light sources. Increasing their sensitivity to ambient or low-intensity light is a key next step. Additionally, since contact lenses are near the retina, their potential to read fine details in an image is low.To overcome this, the scientists are developing a wearable glass system using the same nanotechnology but with greater field of vision and better image quality. The aim is to develop a hybrid wearable that offers the convenience of lenses coupled with clarity and detail for complex tasks.This revolutionary technology is a paradigm shift in the way that humans may engage with their environment. By literally broadening the visible spectrum, the innovation provides new modes for perceiving, reacting to, and comprehending our world—particularly in situations where sight has historically been impaired.Whether wielded by surgeons, search and rescue crews, or people moving through a blacked-out terrain, the possibilities of night-vision contact lenses are staggering. As Dr. Xue summed up, "Our research opens up the potential for non-invasive wearable devices to give people super-vision."

scientists develop device that helps humans 'see in dark'—even with eyes closed

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