Articulatory Loop

First, medical researchers have developed an electronic 'pupilometer' which gauges pupil reaction time in head injury victims. This is a central test for assessing severity of head injuries on the spot, and making important treatment and transport decisions during the critical fist few minutes after an accident. Helps reduce human error and subjectivity. Cool.

The second is unrelated to vision, but it's about wakefulness (opening your eyes...) so I'm putting it here anyway. UC-Irvine researchers have found critical roles for the relatively recently-discovered Neuropeptide S (NPS): it increases wakefulness/alertness and decreases sleepiness, and reduces anxiety responses. NPS receptors (G-protein) were found in Locus Coeruleus, which has long been associated with these functions. Cool beans, I want my new study drugs!!! NPS receptors (G-protein) were found in Locus Coeruleus, which has long been associated with these functions. Cool beans, I want my new study drugs!!!

Lastly, and most exciting, is a demonstration of a retinal implant system to restore vision. Instead of retinal transplantation, a traditional goal, these guys just put a chip onto the eye that stimulates the nerves that are already there (and usually undamaged). It's a wireless video link from a mini camera the patient has on his/her glasses. The put the implant outside the eye, because "the eye doesn’t like stuff inside; that’s why it doesn’t have a zipper.
So. Fucking. Cool.