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World’s first gene therapy to stop most common cause of blindness

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7 years ago

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World’s first gene therapy to stop most common cause of blindness

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Oxford researchers claim to have carried out the world’s first gene therapy operation to halt age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of untreatable blindness in the developed world.

Dry AMD is a slow deterioration of the cells of the macula. It affects the central part of a patient’s vision with gaps or ‘smudges’, making everyday activities like reading and recognising faces difficult.

If successful, the treatment could have a beneficial impact of patients’ quality of life and their ability to remain independent.

“A genetic treatment administered early on to preserve the vision in patients who would otherwise lose their sight would be a tremendous breakthrough and certainly something I hope to see in the near future,” said Robert MacLaren, Professor at the University of Oxford in the UK.

The first person to undergo the procedure was Janet Osborne of Oxford, said MacLaren, who carried out the procedure at the John Radcliffe Hospital in the UK.

Like many people with AMD, Osborne has the condition in both eyes, but it is more advanced in her left eye. As is typical with this condition, the central vision in her left eye has deteriorated and is very hazy, although her peripheral vision is better.

The 80-year-old said that her restricted vision makes household tasks like preparing vegetables and sewing difficult, and she cannot read for very long. She finds it hard to recognise faces.

Osborne said her motivation for taking part in the trial was the possibility of helping others with AMD.

“I wasn’t thinking of me. I was thinking of other people. For me, I hope my sight doesn’t get any worse. That would be fantastic. It means I wouldn’t be such a nuisance to my family,” she said.

The operation involves detaching the retina and injecting a solution containing a virus underneath.

The virus contains a modified DNA sequence, which infects cells, called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and corrects a genetic defect that causes AMD.

Ideally if successful, gene therapy would only need to be performed once, as the effects are thought to be long-lasting.

A key factor in AMD is the complement system, a system of proteins in our immune system that fights bacteria.

In macular degeneration, these proteins are over-active and start to attack the retinal cells, in a similar way to how they would attack bacteria.

“We are harnessing the power of the virus, a naturally occurring organism, to deliver the DNA into the patient’s cells,” MacLaren said.

“When the virus opens up inside the retinal cell it releases the DNA of the gene we have cloned, and the cell starts making a protein that we think can modify the disease, correcting the imbalance of the inflammation caused by the complement system,” he said.

“The idea of this gene therapy is to ‘deactivate’ the complement system, but at a very specific point at the back of the eye, so the patient would otherwise be unaffected by it, and we hope that in future it will slow down the progression of macular degeneration,” said McLaren.

“We have a better understanding now on the relationship between the complement system and the AMD disease which lead us to the discovery that restoring the balance of a hyperactive complement system could be a potential therapeutic approach in dry AMD,” said Peter Lachman, the scientist from the University of Cambridge.

The aim of the therapy is to halt the progress of the condition and preserve what vision patients have remaining.

If successful, it is hoped that gene therapy can be used in the future on patients with early AMD and so halt the disease before their vision has started to deteriorate.

(Inputs from media reports)

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Festivals

Eid 2026 in India may fall on March 20 or 21, moon sighting on March 19 to decide

Eid al-Fitr 2026 in India is expected on March 20 or 21, depending on the crescent moon sighting on March 19.

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4 weeks ago

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March 19, 2026

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Eid al-Fitr 2026 in India is expected to be celebrated on either March 20 or March 21, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of March 19.

The festival, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is observed based on the Islamic lunar calendar. Religious authorities and moon sighting committees across the country will confirm the date only after verifying the visibility of the Shawwal moon.

Eid 2026 date in India

As per astronomical predictions and traditional practices, if the crescent moon is sighted on March 19, Eid will be observed the next day on March 20. However, if the moon is not visible, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid will be celebrated on March 21.

The final announcement is typically made later in the evening after confirmations from different regions.

Chand Raat 2026 timing

“Chand Raat,” the night marking the sighting of the moon, is expected to be observed on Thursday evening, March 19, 2026. It begins shortly after sunset when people look for the crescent moon.

This night holds cultural importance, with markets witnessing increased activity as people prepare for Eid celebrations.

Significance of Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and charity. The festival represents gratitude, spiritual renewal, and a sense of unity within the community.

How Eid is celebrated

The day begins with a special congregational prayer held at mosques and open grounds. People dress in new clothes, exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak,” and visit friends and family.

Traditional dishes, especially seviyan, are prepared and shared. Giving Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity, is considered essential to ensure that everyone can participate in the celebrations. Chand Raat is also marked by shopping, applying henna, and festive preparations.

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Festivals

Happy Holi 2026 wishes and messages to share with your loved ones

Holi 2026 begins with Holika Dahan and vibrant celebrations across India. Here are the best wishes, messages and quotes to share with loved ones.

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1 month ago

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March 3, 2026

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HappyHoli

As the festival of colours sweeps across India, Holi 2026 is being celebrated with vibrant enthusiasm, bringing together families, friends and communities in a spirit of joy and togetherness. The celebrations began with Holika Dahan on March 2 in several parts of the country, while some cities observed or are set to observe the ritual on March 3.

Holika Dahan marks the symbolic triumph of good over evil. The following day, people take part in Rangwali Holi, smearing each other with colours, dancing to festive music and sharing sweets. In some regions, the colour-filled celebrations continue into Wednesday, adding to the festive mood.

On this occasion, here are some heartfelt wishes, messages, quotes and social media status ideas you can send to your loved ones.

Happy Holi 2026 wishes

  • May the colours of Holi brighten your life and fill your days with happiness, success and prosperity. Happy Holi 2026!
  • Let’s splash colours in the air and celebrate the beautiful bond we share. Wishing you a bright and cheerful Holi!
  • A very Happy Holi to those who add colours to every day of my life.
  • Celebrate Holi with enthusiasm, positivity and lots of colours. Wishing you a vibrant and joyful Holi 2026!
  • Wishing you a Holi as bright and beautiful as your spirit.
  • Just as colours bring happiness, may Holi bring everyone closer together. Happy Holi 2026!

Happy Holi 2026 messages

  • May the colours of Holi illuminate your path and bless you with happiness and prosperity.
  • May your life be as colourful and vibrant as the hues of Holi. Happy Holi 2026!
  • Wishing my squad a Holi that’s as lively and colourful as our adventures together. Happy Holi 2026!
  • Holi teaches us to set aside differences and celebrate unity with colours and joy. Happy Holi!
  • Sending you warm wishes for a Holi filled with love and divine blessings. Happy Holi 2026!
  • Let’s drench each other in colours of fun, laughter and lifelong memories. Happy Holi 2026!

Happy Holi 2026 quotes

  • “Holi is the perfect time to celebrate the colours of our beautiful relationship. Happy Holi!”
  • “May your life become a vibrant canvas this Holi—each splash of colour a reminder of love, hope and dreams.”
  • “May the whispers of Holi fill your day with tender memories and radiant joy. Happy Holi 2026!”
  • “Let’s throw colours in the air and renew our bonds with warmth and affection. Happy Holi 2026!”
  • “On this festival of colours, may your world be filled with joyful moments and bright memories.”
  • “Let go of negativity and embrace positivity. Celebrate this Holi with vibrant colours. Happy Holi!”

Happy Holi 2026 Facebook and WhatsApp status

  • Holi is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of life’s happiest moments. Wishing you a colourful Holi 2026!
  • Holi stands for love, care, happiness and endless fun. Let’s celebrate with all our hearts. Happy Holi!
  • A Holi picture is worth a thousand laughs. Have a fantastic Holi 2026!
  • Life becomes brighter when you add colour to it. Spread joy this Holi 2026!
  • Holi reminds us that good always triumphs over evil. May positivity and success fill your life. Happy Holi 2026!

May every splash of colour bring laughter, love and unforgettable memories. Happy Holi 2026 to you and your family!

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Lifestyle

Valentine’s Day 2026: Wishes, messages and quotes to share with your loved one

Valentine’s Day 2026 is here. Here are heartfelt wishes, romantic messages and timeless quotes to share with your loved one on February 14.

Published

2 months ago

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February 14, 2026

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Valentine's Day 2026: wishes, messages and quotes to share with your loved one

Valentine’s Day 2026 is here, bringing with it a celebration of love, affection and meaningful connections. Observed every year on February 14, the day offers couples an opportunity to express their emotions and strengthen their bond.

The week leading up to the day, popularly known as Valentine’s Week, is marked by the exchange of roses, chocolates, teddy bears and small tokens of affection. For many, these gestures are simple yet heartfelt ways to convey feelings that often go unspoken.

While some people plan elaborate surprises, candlelight dinners or thoughtful gifts, others prefer quiet moments spent together. Whether grand or intimate, the essence of the day lies in celebrating companionship and emotional closeness.

Valentine’s Day is also seen as a time to refresh relationships, revisit shared memories and reaffirm promises of togetherness. From handwritten notes to meaningful conversations, even small gestures can leave a lasting impact.

Valentine’s Day wishes and greetings

  • My love for you cannot be measured. It is as vast as the sky and as endless as the universe.
  • I never liked Valentine’s Day until I met you. You showed me what it truly means.
  • On this Valentine’s Day, I promise to stand by you forever so you never face any obstacle alone. Happy Valentine’s Day.
  • Let us love each other unconditionally, truly, madly and deeply.
  • Happy Valentine’s Day to the person who taught me the real meaning of love.
  • I love you wholeheartedly, and you matter to me the most.
  • Warm wishes on Valentine’s Day to everyone. Love is the most beautiful thing in the world.
  • My favourite place is your heart, where I want to build my home forever.

Valentine’s Day quotes

  • “Everything is clearer when you’re in love.” — John Lennon
  • “Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” — Robert A. Heinlein
  • “I never want to stop making memories with you.” — Pierre Jeanty
  • “To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” — David Viscott
  • “Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence.” — Vincent van Gogh

Valentine’s Day remains a reminder that love, in its many forms, deserves to be expressed and celebrated — not just on February 14, but every day of the year.

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